Disposable diaper for pets

ABSTRACT

A disposable diaper for pets, having: a diaper longitudinal direction, a diaper longitude-intersecting direction being a direction interesting the diaper longitudinal direction; a rear-side flap section; a stomach-side flap section; and a reference virtual straight line being a straight line in the longitudinal direction of the disposable diaper for pets. The rear-side flap section is configured such that the distance from the reference virtual straight line to an end section on the longitudinal intersection direction of the rear-side flap section differs relative to the diaper longitudinal direction.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a National Phase of International ApplicationNumber PCT/JP2013/081455, filed Nov. 21, 2013, and claims priority ofJapanese Patent Application No. 2012-272379 filed on Dec. 13, 2012.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a disposable diaper for pets, and moreparticularly to a disposable diaper for pets which is easy to put onpets.

BACKGROUND ART

It is common to keep pets, typically dogs and cats, indoors. Therefore,various kinds of disposable diapers for pets are available. For example,a disposable diaper for pets as disclosed in Japanese Unexamined PatentApplication Publication JP 2004-159591A is provided.

PRIOR ART DOCUMENT Patent Document

Patent Document 1:

JP 2004-159591 A

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Problem to be Solved by the Invention

The disposable diaper for pets (disposable pet diaper) disclosed in JP2004-159591A is now described with reference to FIGS. 51 and 52. FIG. 51is a plan view showing the disposable pet diaper in its unfolded state,and FIG. 52 is an explanatory drawing for illustrating a state of thedisposable pet diaper worn by a pet.

A disposable pet diaper 1000 includes a liquid-permeable sheet 9910, aliquid-resistant sheet (not shown) and an absorbent core 2000 disposedbetween the liquid-permeable sheet 9910 and the liquid-resistant sheet.

The liquid-permeable sheet 9910 is formed of liquid-permeable nonwovenfabric. The liquid-resistant sheet is formed of liquid-impermeableplastic film. The absorbent core 2000 is formed of a mixture of liquidabsorbent fibers such as pulp, and a super absorbent polymer.

The disposable pet diaper 1000 has an abdomen-side waist area 1110, aback-side waist area 1130 and a crotch area 1120 between theabdomen-side waist area 1110 and the back-side waist area 1130.

The disposable pet diaper 1000 has a diaper longitudinal direction inwhich the abdomen-side waist area 1110, the crotch area 1120 and theback-side waist area 1130 are contiguously formed, and a diapertransverse direction crossing the diaper longitudinal direction.

The abdomen-side waist area 1110 has an end 1110A and the back-sidewaist area 1130 has an end 1130A in the diaper longitudinal direction.

An abdomen-side flap 1150 is formed in the abdomen-side waist area 1110and has a back-side end 1150B. The back-side end 1150B is contiguouslyformed to extend from an end of the abdomen-side flap 1150 in the diapertransverse direction to a region of an end 2220 of the absorbent core2000 in the diaper transverse direction.

When the disposable pet diaper 1000 is put on a pet, the abdomen-sideflap 1150 comes in contact with a leg α1 of the pet over a relativelylong range.

A fastening part 3000 having a plurality of hooks is provided in theabdomen-side flap 1150.

The absorbent core 2000 is disposed in a prescribed region extendingover the abdomen-side waist area 1110 and the crotch area 1120. A tailinsertion opening 1190 is formed in a prescribed position in the crotcharea 1120 and the back-side waist area 1130 where the absorbent core2000 is not provided.

A fastening region 9000 comprising a target tape is formed in aprescribed position of the back-side waist area 1130. In order to putthe disposable pet diaper 1000 on a pet, the hooks on the fastening part3000 are engaged with the fastening region 9000.

A back-side flap 1160 is formed in the back-side waist area 1130.

A leg stretchable elastic member 4000 is provided in the vicinity of anend of the disposable pet diaper 1000 in the diaper transversedirection. Leg gathers 4410 shown in FIG. 52 are formed by contractionof the leg stretchable elastic member 4000. The leg stretchable elasticmember 4000 is arranged to extend over part of the abdomen-side waistarea 1110 and the crotch area 1120. Therefore, the contraction force ofthe leg stretchable elastic member 4000 has no influence on the end1110A of the abdomen-side waist area 1110 and the end 1130A of theback-side waist area 1130.

A leakproof sheet 8000 is arranged to extend inward from the end of thedisposable pet diaper 1000 in the diaper transverse direction. Aleakproof sheet stretchable elastic member 6000 is provided in theleakproof sheet 8000. Leakproof gathers and a leakproof wall which arenot shown are formed by contraction of the leakproof sheet stretchableelastic member 6000.

An end of the leakproof sheet stretchable elastic member 6000 on theabdomen-side waist area side does not extend up to the end 1110A of thedisposable pet diaper 1000 in the diaper longitudinal direction. Theback-side end of the leakproof sheet stretchable elastic member 6000 isarranged to extend beyond the tail insertion opening 1190.

In order to put the disposable pet diaper 1000 on a pet, the back-sidewaist area 1130 is set on a back of the pet and the crotch area 1120 andthe abdomen-side waist area 1110 are set on a crotch and an abdomen ofthe pet, and then the fastening part 3000 is fastened to the fasteningregion 9000.

In this prior art disposable pet diaper 1000, however, the end of theback-side flap 1160 in the diaper transverse direction has a linearshape. Therefore, when attaching the fastening part 3000 to thefastening region 9000, it may be difficult for a user to confirm wherethe fastening region 9000 is located in the back-side flap 1160.

Especially an aged pet α may be laid down while the disposable petdiaper 1000 is put on the pet α. At this time, when the user tries toput the disposable pet diaper 1000 on the pet α while facing the abdomenside of the pet, the user cannot visually recognize the back side of thepet α. Therefore, it is harder to confirm the position of the fasteningregion 9000.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide adisposable diaper for pets that is easy to put on pets.

Means for Solving the Problem

In order to solve the above-described problem, according to a preferredmode of the present invention, a disposable diaper for pets is providedwhich includes a back-side waist area, an abdomen-side waist area, and acrotch area between the back-side waist area and the abdomen-side waistarea; a diaper longitudinal direction in which the back-side waist area,the crotch area and the abdomen-side waist area contiguously extend whenthe disposable diaper is not worn by a pet, and a diaper transversedirection crossing the diaper longitudinal direction; a back-side waistarea end in the diaper longitudinal direction, an abdomen-side waistarea end in the diaper longitudinal direction, and both ends in thediaper transverse direction; a back-side flap, an abdomen-side flap, areference virtual straight line extending in the longitudinal directionof the disposable diaper, a tail insertion opening formed in aprescribed region in the diaper longitudinal direction, an absorbentcore formed on one side of the tail insertion opening in the diaperlongitudinal direction and disposed in a prescribed region extendingover the crotch area and the abdomen-side waist area, a fastening parthaving a prescribed length and provided in the abdomen-side flap, and afastening region provided in the back-side waist area and configured toreceive the fastening part.

When the disposable diaper is put on the pet, the crotch area and theabdomen-side waist area cover a crotch and an abdomen of the pet, whilethe back-side waist area is closely fitted to a back of the pet, and thefastening part is fastened to the fastening region.

While the disposable diaper is worn by the pet, the weight of theabsorbent core after excretion is received in the longitudinal directionof the fastening part.

Further, the back-side flap is configured such that a distance betweenthe reference virtual straight line and the end of the back-side flap inthe transverse direction varies in the diaper longitudinal direction.

In an aspect of the solution according to the present invention, thedisposable diaper includes a pair of diaper minimum width points on theboth ends in the diaper transverse direction between which a virtualstraight line connecting the both ends in the diaper transversedirection is shortest, a pair of virtual boundary lines extending in thediaper longitudinal direction and passing through the diaper minimumwidth points, a body which is an inside region between the pair virtualboundary lines, a pair of the back-side flaps formed outside the pairvirtual boundary lines in the back-side waist area, an end of theback-side flap in the transverse direction, and a pair of theabdomen-side flaps formed outside the pair virtual boundary lines in theabdomen-side waist area. In a further aspect of the solution accordingto the present invention, the reference virtual straight line is thevirtual boundary line.

In a further aspect of the solution according to the present invention,the end of the back-side flap in the transverse direction has a shapethat gradually changes in the diaper longitudinal direction.

In a further aspect of the solution according to the present invention,the shape of the end of the back-side flap in the transverse directionis defined by a generally circular arc curve.

In a further aspect of the solution according to the present invention,an intermediate region of the back-side flap in the diaper longitudinaldirection forms a maximum width region where the distance in the diapertransverse direction between the virtual boundary line and the end ofthe back-side flap in the transverse direction becomes maximum.

In a further aspect of the solution according to the present invention,the shape of the end of the back-side flap in the transverse directionis defined by a generally circular arc curve which defines the maximumwidth region having a maximum width.

In a further aspect of the solution according to the present invention,the fastening region is provided on a virtual line extending in thediaper transverse direction and passing through the maximum width regionof the back-side flap.

In a further aspect of the solution according to the present invention,an end of the fastening region in the diaper transverse direction has adifferent shape from an end of the back-side flap in the diapertransverse direction.

In a further aspect of the solution according to the present invention,the end of the fastening region in the diaper transverse direction has alinear shape.

Effect of the Invention

According to the invention, the back-side flap is configured such thatthe distance in the diaper transverse direction between the virtualboundary line and the end of the back-side flap in the transversedirection varies in the diaper longitudinal direction. Therefore, theuser can recognize by the shape of the back-side flap which part of theback-side flap the user is grabbing. Thus, the disposable diaper forpets is easy to put on pets.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a plan view showing a disposable diaper for pets according toa first embodiment of the present invention, in its unfolded state.

FIG. 2 is a plan view for showing an absorbent-core non-arrangementregion in the unfolded state of the disposable diaper.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory drawing for illustrating the structure of afastening part.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory drawing for illustrating the structure of aflap.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory drawing for illustrating the structure of aback-side flap.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory drawing for illustrating the structure of anidentification region.

FIG. 7 is an enlarged view for illustrating the structure of a fasteningregion.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory drawing for illustrating the operation of thefastening region.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory drawing regarding to measurement for specifyinga preferable structure of an abdomen-side flap.

FIG. 10 is an explanatory drawing for illustrating the relation betweenthe disposable diaper and legs of the pet.

FIG. 11 is a plan view for showing a leakproof sheet fixed part in theunfolded state of the disposable diaper.

FIG. 12 is a sectional view taken along line A-A in FIG. 1.

FIG. 13 is a sectional view taken along line B-B in FIG. 1.

FIG. 14 is a sectional view taken along line C-C in FIG. 1.

FIG. 15 is an explanatory drawing for illustrating the structures of aleg stretchable elastic member and a waist stretchable elastic member.

FIG. 16 is an explanatory drawing for illustrating the operations of theleg stretchable elastic member and the waist stretchable elastic member.

FIG. 17 is an explanatory drawing in a sectional view taken along lineD-D in FIG. 1.

FIG. 18 is an explanatory drawing regarding to a back-side waist area inputting the disposable diaper on a pet.

FIG. 19 is an explanatory drawing regarding to an abdomen-side waistarea in putting the disposable diaper on a pet.

FIG. 20 is an explanatory drawing for illustrating the state of thedisposable diaper worn by a pet.

FIG. 21 is an explanatory drawing for illustrating a disposable diaperfor pets according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 22 is an explanatory drawing for illustrating a disposable diaperfor pets according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 23 is an explanatory drawing for illustrating a disposable diaperfor pets according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 24 is an explanatory drawing for illustrating a disposable diaperfor pets according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 25 is an explanatory drawing for illustrating a disposable diaperfor pets according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 26 is an explanatory drawing for illustrating a disposable diaperfor pets according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 27 is an explanatory drawing for illustrating the operation of thedisposable diaper for pets according to the seventh embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 28 is an explanatory drawing for illustrating a disposable diaperfor pets according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 29 is an explanatory drawing for illustrating a disposable diaperfor pets according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 30 is an explanatory drawing for illustrating a disposable diaperfor pets according to a tenth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 31 is an explanatory drawing for illustrating a disposable diaperfor pets according to an eleventh embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 32 is an explanatory drawing for illustrating a disposable diaperfor pets according to a twelfth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 33 is a plan view showing a disposable diaper for pets according toa 13th embodiment of the present invention, in its unfolded state.

FIG. 34 is a plan view showing a disposable diaper for pets according toa 14th embodiment of the present invention, in its unfolded state.

FIG. 35 is a plan view showing a disposable diaper for pets according toa 15th embodiment of the present invention, in its unfolded state.

FIG. 36 is a plan view showing a disposable diaper for pets according toa 16th embodiment of the present invention, in its unfolded state.

FIG. 37 is an enlarged view for illustrating a disposable diaper forpets according to a 17th embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 38 is an explanatory drawing for illustrating the operation of thedisposable diaper according to the 17th embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 39 is an enlarged view for illustrating a disposable diaper forpets according to an 18th embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 40 is an enlarged view for illustrating a disposable diaper forpets according to a 19th embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 41 is an enlarged view for illustrating a disposable diaper forpets according to a 20th embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 42 is a plan view showing a disposable diaper for pets according toa 21st embodiment of the present invention, in its unfolded state.

FIG. 43 is a plan view showing a disposable diaper for pets according toa 22nd embodiment of the present invention, in its unfolded state.

FIG. 44 is a plan view showing a disposable diaper for pets according toa 23rd embodiment of the present invention, in its unfolded state.

FIG. 45 is a plan view showing a disposable diaper for pets according toa 24th embodiment of the present invention, in its unfolded state.

FIG. 46 is a plan view showing a disposable diaper for pets according toa 25th embodiment of the present invention, in its unfolded state.

FIG. 47 is a plan view showing a disposable diaper for pets according toa 26th embodiment of the present invention, in its unfolded state.

FIG. 48 is a plan view showing a disposable diaper for pets according toa 27th embodiment of the present invention, in its unfolded state.

FIG. 49 is a plan view showing a disposable diaper for pets according toa 28th embodiment of the present invention, in its unfolded state.

FIG. 50 is a plan view showing a disposable diaper for pets according toa 29th embodiment of the present invention, in its unfolded state.

FIG. 51 is a plan view showing a prior art disposable diaper for pets inits unfolded state.

FIG. 52 is an explanatory drawing for illustrating a state of the priorart disposable diaper worn by a pet.

BEST MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION First Embodiment

A first embodiment of the present invention is now described withreference to FIGS. 1 to 20.

FIG. 1 is a plan view showing a disposable diaper for pets in itsunfolded state. The “pet” in this embodiment widely includes vertebrates(mammals, reptiles, birds and amphibians) and invertebrates, andtypically represents pets such as cats, dogs, rabbits, hamsters, horses,cows, pigs and goats. The term “unfolded state” as used in thisembodiment refers to the state in which an unused disposable diaper forpets is unfolded or opened and a contraction force of a stretchableelastic member is not developed.

A disposable diaper for pets (disposable pet diaper) 10 has anabdomen-side waist area 110, a back-side waist area 130 and a crotcharea 120 between the abdomen-side waist area 110 and the back-side waistarea 130. When the disposable pet diaper 10 is worn by a pet, theabdomen-side waist area 110, the back-side waist area 130 and the crotcharea 120 are in contact with an abdomen, a back and a crotch of the pet,respectively.

The abdomen-side waist area 110, the back-side waist area 130 and thecrotch area 120 are example embodiments that correspond to the“abdomen-side waist area, the back-side waist area and the crotch areabetween the abdomen-side waist area and the back-side waist area”,respectively, according to this invention.

In the unfolded state as shown in FIG. 1, the disposable pet diaper 10has a diaper longitudinal direction Y in which the abdomen-side waistarea 110, the crotch area 120 and the back-side waist area 130contiguously extend, and a diaper transverse direction X crossing thediaper longitudinal direction Y. The term “crossing” as used in thisspecification means “perpendicularly crossing” unless otherwisespecified.

The diaper longitudinal direction Y and the diaper transverse directionX are example embodiments that correspond to the “diaper longitudinaldirection in which the abdomen-side waist area, the crotch area and theback-side waist area contiguously extend when the disposable diaper isnot worn by a pet, and a diaper transverse direction crossing the diaperlongitudinal direction”, respectively, according to this invention.

The disposable pet diaper 10 has an inside surface 100Z1 which faces apet and an outside surface 100Z2 opposite to the inside surface 100Z1.

In this embodiment, the inside surface 100Z1 may also be referred to asa pet-side surface or a pet wearing surface.

The disposable pet diaper 10 has an end 110A formed in the abdomen-sidewaist area 110 and an end 130A formed in the back-side waist area 130 inthe diaper longitudinal direction Y.

The end 110A formed in the abdomen-side waist area 110 is an exampleembodiment that corresponds to the “abdomen-side waist area end in thediaper longitudinal direction” according to this invention.

The end 130A formed in the back-side waist area 130 is an exampleembodiment that corresponds to the “back-side waist area end in thediaper longitudinal direction” according to this invention.

The disposable pet diaper 10 has a pair of ends 100A in the diapertransverse direction X. Each of the ends 100A contiguously extends overan end 150B in the diaper transverse direction and a back-side end 150Cin an abdomen-side flap 150, an end 160B in the diaper transversedirection in a back-side flap 160, and a leg-side end 120A between theback-side end 150C of the abdomen-side flap 150 and the end 160B of theback-side flap 160 in the diaper transverse direction.

The back-side flap 160 is an example embodiment that corresponds to the“back-side flap” according to this invention. The abdomen-side flap 150is an example embodiment that corresponds to the “abdomen-side flap”according to this invention.

The ends 100A are an example embodiment that corresponds to the “bothends in the diaper transverse direction” according to this invention.

Further, the end 160B of the back-side flap 160 in the diaper transversedirection may also be referred to as a lateral end.

The end (lateral end) 160B of the back-side flap 160 in the diapertransverse direction is an example embodiment that corresponds to “anend of the back-side flap in the transverse direction” according to thisinvention.

The disposable pet diaper 10 has a tail insertion opening 190 formed ina prescribed region in the diaper longitudinal direction Y. The tailinsertion opening 190 is formed by an arcuate cut 191 extending throughthe inside surface 100Z1 and the outside surface 100Z2.

Although, in the first embodiment, the tail insertion opening 190 isformed by the arcuate cut 191, it may be a circular opening formed by anannular cut.

The tail insertion opening 190 is an example embodiment that correspondsto the “tail insertion opening formed in a prescribed region in thediaper longitudinal direction” according to this invention.

The disposable pet diaper 10 has an absorbent core 200 formed on oneside of the tail insertion opening 190 in the diaper longitudinaldirection Y and disposed in a prescribed region extending over thecrotch area 120 and the abdomen-side waist area 110. The absorbent core200 has an abdomen-side end 210, a back-side end 220 and a pair of ends230 in the diaper transverse direction.

The absorbent core 200 is formed of a mixture of a particulate orfibrous super absorbent polymer and fluff pulp or a mixture of aparticulate or fibrous super absorbent polymer, fluff pulp andthermoplastic synthetic resin fibers. Preferably, in order to preventdeformation of the absorbent core 200 and falling off of the superabsorbent polymer, the absorbent core 200 may be entirely covered with aliquid-permeable sheet such as tissue paper and hydrophilic fibernonwoven fabric. Further, preferably, the absorbent core 200 may becompressed into a prescribed thickness in the manufacturing process. Asthe super absorbent polymer, synthetic polymer-based, starch-based orcellulose-based polymer can be appropriately used.

The absorbent core 200 is an example embodiment that corresponds to the“absorbent core formed on one side of the tail insertion opening in thediaper longitudinal direction and disposed in a prescribed regionextending over the crotch area and the abdomen-side waist area”according to this invention.

As shown in FIG. 2, a region of the disposable pet diaper 10 in whichthe absorbent core 200 is not disposed is referred to as anabsorbent-core non-arrangement region 170.

In the absorbent-core non-arrangement region 170, regions adjacent tothe abdomen-side end 210 and the back-side end 220 of the absorbent core200 and to the back-side end 130A of the disposable pet diaper 10 eachform an erected region for forming an erected section 700 which isdescribed below. Specifically, the region adjacent to the abdomen-sideend 210 of the absorbent core 200, the region adjacent to the back-sideend 220 of the absorbent core 200, and the region adjacent to theback-side end 130A of the disposable pet diaper 10 are referred to as anabdomen-side erected region 171, a crotch-side erected region 173 and aback-side erected region 172, respectively.

Depending on design of the disposable pet diaper 10, part of theabsorbent core 200 may be disposed within the absorbent-corenon-arrangement region 170, especially in any of the erected regions.Specifically, part of tissue paper, pulp fibers or super absorbentpolymer may be disposed in the erected region. Even in such a case, ifthe erected region maintains its flexibility and forms the erectedsection 700, the absorbent-core non-arrangement region 170 is consideredas being substantially formed and the erected region is also consideredas being formed at the same time.

The disposable pet diaper 10 has fastening parts 300 on the both ends150B of the abdomen-side flap 150 in the diaper transverse direction.

As shown in FIG. 3, each of the fastening parts 300 has a fastening partlongitudinal direction 300X and a fastening part transverse direction300Y. In the fastening part longitudinal direction 300X, the fasteningpart 300 has a fixed part 320 in which the fastening part 300 is fixedto the disposable pet diaper 10, and a free part 310 provided to befastened to a fastening region 900.

The fastening part 300 is a fiber nonwoven fabric made of polyolefinthermoplastic synthetic fibers, or a plastic film made of polyolefinthermoplastic synthetic resin. A plurality of hooks (not shown) areprovided on the diaper inside surface 100Z1 of the free part 310. Thehooks are formed of polyolefin thermoplastic synthetic resin. Althoughthe hooks here are provided and configured to be fastened to thefastening region 900, other structures such as an adhesive can beselected for use in place of the hooks, depending on the structure ofthe fastening region 900.

The fastening part 300 is an example embodiment that corresponds to the“fastening part having a prescribed length and provided in theabdomen-side flap” according to this invention.

The disposable pet diaper 10 has flaps 140A. The flaps 140A include apair of abdomen-side flaps 150 formed on the both ends 100A in thediaper transverse direction in the abdomen-side waist area 110, and apair of back-side flaps 160 formed on the both ends 100A in the diapertransverse direction in the back-side waist area 130. The flaps 140A aredefined by a pair of virtual lines 100Y1 extending in the diaperlongitudinal direction and passing through a pair of minimum widthpoints 100AP on the ends 100A of the disposable pet diaper 10 in thediaper transverse direction between which a line connecting the ends100A in the diaper transverse direction is shortest. Specifically, thevirtual lines 100Y1 are referred to as flap boundary lines, and regionsoutside a pair of the flap boundary lines 100Y1 are referred to as flaps(the abdomen-side flaps 150, the back-side flaps 160), while an insideregion between the flap boundary lines 100Y1 is referred to as a body140B. Further, each of the flap boundary lines 100Y1 itself can also bedefined as a reference virtual straight line which is an arbitrarystraight line extending in the diaper longitudinal direction. The pairof abdomen-side flaps 150 includes an abdomen-side flap 150 and afurther abdomen-side flap 150. The pair of back-side flaps 160 includesa back-side flap 160 and a further back-side flap 160.

The minimum width point 100AP is an example embodiment that correspondsto “a pair of diaper minimum width points on the both ends in the diapertransverse direction between which a virtual straight line connectingthe both ends in the diaper transverse direction is shortest” accordingto this invention.

The flap boundary lines 100Y1 are an example embodiment that correspondsto “a pair of virtual boundary lines extending in the diaperlongitudinal direction and passing through the diaper minimum widthpoints” according to this invention.

The body 140B is an example embodiment that corresponds to “a bodycomprising an inside region between the pair virtual boundary lines”according to this invention.

The abdomen-side flaps 150 are an example embodiment that corresponds to“a pair of the abdomen-side flaps formed outside the pair virtualboundary lines in the abdomen-side waist area” according to thisinvention.

The back-side flaps 160 are an example embodiment that corresponds to “apair of the back-side flaps formed outside the pair virtual boundarylines in the back-side waist area” according to this invention.

This relation between the flap boundary line 100Y1 and the referencevirtual straight line is an example embodiment that corresponds to thefeature that “the reference virtual straight line is the virtualboundary line” according to this invention.

The structure of the flap 140A is now described with reference to FIG.4. In FIG. 4, for comparison, the abdomen-side flap 150 and theback-side flap 160 are shown aligned vertically on the flap boundaryline 100Y1.

First, the length of the flap 140A in the diaper transverse direction Xis defined. Where a straight line in the diaper transverse direction Xwhich connects points on the both ends in the diaper transversedirection in each pair of the flaps 140A is longest, the points aredefined as maximum width points. The maximum width points are shown as amaximum width point 150AP and a maximum width point 160AP in theabdomen-side flap 150 and the back-side flap 160, respectively.

Next, the shortest distance between the flap boundary line 100Y1 and themaximum width points is measured and defined as a length of the flap140A in the diaper transverse direction X. The length of the flap 140Ain the diaper transverse direction X is shown as a length 150L of theabdomen-side flap 150 and a length 160L of the back-side flap 160.

In this invention, the length 150L of the abdomen-side flap 150 isdifferent from the length 160L of the back-side flap 160.

With such a structure, one of the abdomen-side flap 150 and theback-side flap 160 can be made shorter in the diaper transversedirection X. Consequently, the possibility of occurrence of crease ofthe shorter flap 140A can be reduced.

The “crease” in this embodiment encompasses a state in which the insidesurfaces 100Z1 of the flaps 140A contact each other, a state in whichthe outside surfaces 100Z1 of the flaps 140A contact each other, and astate in which the flaps 140A are creased or wrinkled to such an extentas to impair the fitness of the disposable pet diaper 10 to the pet α.

Further, in the first embodiment of this invention, the length 160L ofthe back-side flap 160 is configured to be shorter than the length 150Lof the abdomen-side flap 150.

Next, the structure of the back-side flap 160 is now described withreference to FIG. 5.

The lateral end 160B of the back-side flap 160 is shaped such that thedistance in the diaper transverse direction X between the lateral end160B and the flap boundary line 100Y1 is not uniform.

This is an example embodiment that corresponds to the feature that “theback-side flap is configured such that a distance in the diapertransverse direction between the reference virtual straight line and theend of the back-side flap in the transverse direction varies in thediaper longitudinal direction” according to this invention.

Thus, the lateral end 160B of the back-side flap 160 is formed such thatits shape gradually changes in the diaper longitudinal direction Y.

This is an example embodiment that corresponds to the feature that “theend of the back-side flap in the transverse direction has a shape thatgradually changes in the diaper longitudinal direction” according tothis invention.

Specifically, in this embodiment, the lateral end 160B of the back-sideflap 160 has a circular arc shape. In this embodiment, the “circular arcshape” is not limited to the shape of a circular arc of a perfectcircle, but it also includes other circular arc shapes such as that ofan ellipse and a combination of circular arc shapes of a perfect circleand an ellipse. Accordingly, the “circular arc shape” in this embodimentmay also be referred to as a shape other than a linear shape.

This specific shape of the lateral end 160B of the back-side flap 160 isan example embodiment that corresponds to the feature that “the shape ofthe end of the back-side flap in the transverse direction is defined bya generally circular arc curve” according to this invention.

By thus shaping the lateral end 160B of the back-side flap 160, when theuser grabs the back-side flap 160, the user can easily confirm by thefeel which part of the lateral end 160B of the back-side flap 160 theuser is grabbing.

A maximum width region 160B1 is formed in a central region of thelateral end 160B of the back-side flap 160 where the distance betweenthe lateral end 160B and the flap boundary line 100Y1 becomes maximum.The “central region” as used in this embodiment refers to a region nothaving an identification region 10A especially in a structure in whichthe identification region 10A (which is described below) is formed byextending the back-side end 160A of the back-side flap 160.

The maximum width region 160B1 is an example embodiment that correspondsto the feature that “an intermediate region of the back-side flap in thediaper longitudinal direction forms a maximum width region where thedistance in the diaper transverse direction between the virtual boundaryline and the end of the back-side flap in the transverse directionbecomes maximum” according to this invention.

The maximum width region 160B1 is formed by defining the lateral end160B of the back-side flap 160 by a circular arc curve which defines themaximum width region 160B1 having a maximum width (such that theback-side flap 160 has a maximum width at the maximum width region160B1).

This is an example embodiment that corresponds to the feature that “theshape of the end of the back-side flap in the transverse direction isdefined by a generally circular arc curve which defines the maximumwidth region having a maximum width” according to this invention.

By providing the maximum width region 160B1, when the user grabs theback-side flap 160, the user can more easily confirm by the feel whichpart of the lateral end 160B of the back-side flap 160 the user isgrabbing.

The fastening region 900 which is described below is formed on a virtualline 160B11 extending in the diaper transverse direction X and passingthrough the maximum width region 160B1.

This is an example embodiment that corresponds to the feature that “thefastening region is provided on a virtual line extending in the diapertransverse direction and passing through the maximum width region of theback-side flap” according to this invention.

Specifically, a second fastening region 900B in the fastening region 900is provided on the virtual line 160B11 extending in the diapertransverse direction X and passing through the maximum width region160B1.

Due to such a relation between the maximum width region 160B1 and thefastening region 900, the user can more easily position the fasteningpart 300 of the abdomen-side flap 150 on the fastening region 900 of theback-side flap 160. Specifically, when the user grabs the back-side flap160, the user can recognize the maximum width region 160B1 and thus canrecognize the position of the fastening region 900 at the same time.

Further, an end 900BB of the fastening region 900 in the diapertransverse direction X has a different shape from the lateral end 160Bof the back-side flap 160. The end 900BB of the fastening region 900 inthe diaper transverse direction X is also referred to as the “lateralend”.

This is an example embodiment that corresponds to the feature that “anend of the fastening region in the diaper transverse direction has adifferent shape from an end of the back-side flap in the diapertransverse direction” according to this invention.

Specifically, the lateral end 900BB of the second fastening region 900Bhas a linear shape parallel to the diaper longitudinal direction Y,while the lateral end 160B of the back-side flap 160 has a curved shape.

The lateral end 900BB of the fastening region 900 (the second fasteningregion 900B) having a linear shape is an example embodiment thatcorresponds to the feature that “the end of the fastening region in thediaper transverse direction has a linear shape” according to thisinvention.

Due to such a relation between the lateral end 160B of the back-sideflap 160 and the lateral end 900BB of the fastening region 900, the usercan more easily position the fastening part 300 of the abdomen-side flap150 on the fastening region 900 of the back-side flap 160. Specifically,when the user grabs the back-side flap 160, the user can recognize themaximum width region 160B1 and thus can recognize the position of thefastening region 900 at the same time. Further, from the difference inshape between the lateral end 160B of the back-side flap 160 and thelateral end 900BB of the fastening region 900, the user can easilyrecognize the position of the lateral end 900BB of the fastening region900 itself or the position in the fastening region 900 in the diapertransverse direction X.

The identification region 10A is formed in the flap 140A and provided toallow the user to identify an abnormality of the back-side flap 160 byvisually and externally checking the disposable pet diaper 10 worn bythe pet α.

In this respect, in this embodiment, if the identification region 10A isvisible from outside the disposable pet diaper 10, “the back-side flap160 is determined to be in a normal state”. On the other hand, if theidentification region 10A is not visible from outside the disposable petdiaper 10, “the back-side flap 160 is determined to be in an abnormalstate”. In this embodiment, the “identification region 10A is visible”means not only that “the whole identification region 10A is visible”,but also that “part of the identification region 10A is visible”.Specifically, it is sufficient that a user is allowed to recognizewhether the back-side flap 160 is in a normal state or in an abnormalstate by “visually checking part of the identification region 10A”.

The “normal state” of the back-side flap 160 refers to a state that theback-side flap 160 is not creased when the disposable pet diaper 10 isworn by the pet α, while the “abnormal state” of the back-side flap 160refers to a state that the back-side flap 160 is creased when thedisposable pet diaper 10 is worn by the pet α.

Next, the structure of the identification region 10A is morespecifically explained.

In this embodiment, the identification region 10A is formed in theback-side flap 160.

The identification region 10A is formed by extending the back-side end160A in the diaper longitudinal direction Y and a region of the lateralend 160B contiguous to the back-side end 160A in the back-side flap 160,in the diaper transverse direction X. This identification region 10Aformed by extending a prescribed region of the lateral end 160B of theback-side flap 160 is referred to as a first extended identificationregion 10A1.

The identification region 10A is configured to protrude from an end 150Aof the abdomen-side flap 150 in the diaper longitudinal direction Y whenthe disposable pet diaper 10 is worn by the pet α.

The structure in which the identification region 10A protrudes from theend 150A of the abdomen-side flap 150 is now specifically described withreference to FIG. 6.

In FIG. 6, the abdomen-side flap 150 and the back-side flap 160 areshown side by side so as to make it easy to understand the relationbetween the identification region 10A in the back-side flap 160 and theabdomen-side flap 150.

First, a virtual line extending in the diaper transverse direction Xfrom an end of the identification region 10A in the diaper longitudinaldirection Y in the back-side flap 160 is referred to as a first virtualline 10A11.

Next, a virtual line extending in the diaper transverse direction X froma back-side end 900BC of the second fastening region 900B of thefastening region 900 in the back-side flap 160 is referred to as asecond virtual line 900BC1.

Then, a virtual line connecting the first virtual line 10A11 and thesecond virtual line 900BC1 and extending in the diaper longitudinaldirection Y is referred to as a third virtual line D160.

Further, a virtual line extending in the diaper transverse direction Xfrom a back-side end 300C of the fastening part 300 in the abdomen-sideflap 150 is referred to as a fourth virtual line 300C1.

Further, a virtual line extending from an abdomen-side end 150A of theabdomen-side flap 150 in the diaper transverse direction X is referredto as a fifth virtual line 150A1.

Further, a virtual line connecting the fourth virtual line 300C1 and thefifth virtual line 150A1 and extending in the diaper longitudinaldirection Y is referred to as a sixth virtual line D150.

The third virtual line D160 is longer than the sixth virtual line D150.

By provision of such configuration, the identification region 10A can beeasily identified.

Specifically, when the disposable pet diaper 10 is put on the pet α, theidentification region 10A always protrudes from the abdomen-side end150A of the abdomen-side flap 150 wherever the free part 310 of thefastening part 300 in the abdomen-side flap 150 is fastened to thesecond fastening region 900B of the fastening region 900 in theback-side flap 160.

The fastening region 900 is now explained, starting with its basicstructure with reference to FIG. 1.

The fastening region 900 is formed at least in the back-side waist area130 in the disposable pet diaper 10 and can be removably engaged with ahook part (hooks) provided on the free part 310 of the fastening part300.

The fastening region 900 is an example embodiment that corresponds tothe “fastening region provided in the back-side waist area andconfigured to receive the fastening part” according to this invention.

In the fastening region 900, nonwoven fabric which can be removablyengaged with the hook part of the fastening part 300 is used as an outersheet 930 which forms the outside surface 100Z2 of the disposable petdiaper 10. A first fastening region 900A is formed by this nonwovenfabric which can be removably engaged with the hook part of thefastening part 300.

The first fastening region 900A is provided in the absorbent-corenon-arrangement region 170, or specifically, configured to be placed onthe back of the pet α. Allowing for some pets α having large inclinationon the back, the fastening region 900 for fixing the fastening part 300needs to have a flexible structure in order to fit on the back of thepets α.

Further, a back-side waist stretchable elastic member 520 which isdescribed below is arranged to extend in the diaper transverse directionin the absorbent-core non-arrangement region 170 within the back-sidewaist area 130 of the disposable pet diaper 10. More specifically, theback-side waist stretchable elastic member 520 is provided in astretched state in the vicinity of the back-side end 130A of thedisposable pet diaper 10.

The back-side waist stretchable elastic member 520 contracts when thedisposable pet diaper 10 is put on the pet. As a result, a firstback-side curved part 542 is formed, so that the back-side waist area130 of the disposable pet diaper 10 can be more easily put on the pet α.

A force of engagement between the first fastening region 900A and thefastening part 300 is preferably in a range of 1.1 to 4.2 N.

The second fastening region 900B is provided on the outside surface100Z2 in the first fastening region 900A and has a stronger force ofengagement with the hook part of the fastening part 300 than the firstfastening region 900A.

Specifically, the second fastening region 900B is formed by a targettape which is a fiber nonwoven fabric made of polyolefin thermoplasticsynthetic fibers, or a plastic film made of polyolefin thermoplasticsynthetic resin, and having a large number of loops (not shown) made ofpolyolefin thermoplastic synthetic resin.

Due to such a structure, the disposable pet diaper 10 can be more firmlyput on the pet α.

Specifically, when the user puts the disposable pet diaper 10 on the petα, only part of the hook part of the fastening part 300 may be fastenedto the second fastening region 900B (target tape). Even in such a case,the other part of the hook part which is not fastened to the secondfastening region 900B is fastened to the first fastening region 900A.Therefore, in any situation, the hook part of the fastening part 300 isfastened to either the first fastening region 900A or the secondfastening region 900B, so that the disposable pet diaper 10 can besecurely put on the pet α.

The structure of the first fastening region 900A is now described withreference to FIGS. 7 and 8.

FIG. 7 is an enlarged, explanatory view showing the first fasteningregion 900A, and FIG. 8 is an enlarged, explanatory view showingsurrounding parts 930D formed in the first fastening region 900A.

The outer sheet 930 forms the first fastening region 900A and is formedof thermoplastic fibers.

The outer sheet 930 has a first welded part 930A extending in a firstdirection and formed by melting of the thermoplastic fibers.

A plurality of such first welded parts 930A form a first welded partgroup 930AA.

Further, each pair of adjacent ones of the first welded parts 930A forma first adjacent welded part group 930AB.

The outer sheet 930 further has a second welded part 930B extending in asecond direction crossing the first direction and formed by melting ofthe thermoplastic fibers. The term “crossing” here does not necessarilymean “perpendicularly crossing”.

A plurality of such second welded parts 930B form a second welded partgroup 930BA.

Further, each pair of adjacent ones of the second welded parts 930B forma second adjacent welded part group 930BB.

The surrounding parts 930D each having a parallelogram shape are formedin regions surrounded by the first adjacent welded part group 930AB andthe second adjacent welded part group 930BB which intersect with eachother. The “parallelogram” as used herein includes a square and arectangle.

The outer sheet 930 further has a third welded part 930C extending in athird direction crossing the first and second directions and formedwithin the surrounding part 930D by melting of the thermoplastic fibers.The term “crossing” here does not necessarily mean “perpendicularlycrossing”.

A plurality of such third welded parts 930C form a third welded partgroup 930CA.

Further, each pair of adjacent ones of the third welded parts 930C forma third adjacent welded part group 930CB.

A first loop part 930L1 is formed between the first welded part 930A andthe third welded part 930C by thermoplastic fibers which are not welded.Specifically, the first loop part 930L1 is fixed at both ends to thefirst and third welded parts 930A, 930C and formed in a loop by fibersextending between the both ends. The first loop part 930L1 can beremovably engaged with the hook part of the fastening part 300.

A second loop part 930L2 is formed between the second welded part 930Band the third welded part 930C by thermoplastic fibers which are notwelded. Specifically, the second loop part 930L2 is fixed at both endsto the second and third welded parts 930B, 930C and formed in a loop byfibers extending between the both ends. The second loop part 930L2 canbe removably engaged with the hook part of the fastening part 300.

The surrounding part 930D has a parallelogram shape having a firstdiagonal line 930D1 and a second diagonal line 930D2. Further, thesurrounding part 930D is partitioned into a first surrounding part 930DAand a second surrounding part 930DB by the third welded part 930C.

The third direction in which the third welded part 930C extends ispreferably parallel to one of the diagonal lines of the parallelogramwhich defines the surrounding part 930D.

Further, in this case, the third welded part 930C is preferably formedto coincide with one of the diagonal lines of the parallelogram whichdefines the surrounding part 930D. In this embodiment, the third weldedpart 930C is arranged to coincide with the first diagonal line 930D1 ofthe diagonal line 930D. By such arrangement of the third welded part930C on the diagonal line of the surrounding part 930D, the firstsurrounding part 930DA and the second surrounding part 930DB have thesame size. Therefore, the first and second loops 930L1, 930L2 formed inthe first and second surrounding parts 930DA, 930DB can be made uniformin size between the first surrounding part 930DA and the secondsurrounding part 930DB.

The surrounding part 930D has a first side 930D3 and a second side930D4. In order to obtain satisfactorily engaged state with respect tothe hook part of the fastening part 300 which is generally used, it ispreferable that a length D930D3 of the first side 930D3 and a lengthD930D4 of the second side 930D4 of the surrounding part 930D are each ina range of 2 to 10 mm.

In this embodiment, the first welded part 930A has a continuous linearshape and forms a first welded continuous line 930A1.

In this embodiment, the second welded part 930B has a continuous linearshape and forms a second welded continuous line 930B 1.

In this embodiment, the third welded part 930C has a continuous linearshape and forms a third welded continuous line 930C1.

The width of each of the first welded part 930A and the second weldedpart 930B is preferably in a range of 0.2 to 2 mm. The width of thethird welded part 930C is preferably in a range of 0.2 to 5 mm. Thedistance between each pair of the third welded parts 930C which form thethird adjacent welded part group is preferably in a range of 2 to 10 mmBy provision of such settings of the widths of the first and secondwelded parts 930A, 930B and the distance between each pair of the thirdwelded parts 930C which form the third adjacent welded part group, thefirst fastening region 900A can be prevented from impairing flexibilityand touch feeling as the outer sheet 930 which forms the outside surface100Z2 of the disposable pet diaper 10.

Operation of the first fastening region 900A is now described.

The user attaches the hook part of the fastening part 300 to the firstfastening region 900A in order to put the disposable pet diaper 10 onthe pet α. At this time, the hook part of the fastening part 300 isengaged with at least one of the first loop parts 930L1 and the secondloop parts 930L2.

When a shearing force is generated in the fastening part 300, the firstloop parts 930L1 and the second loop parts 930L2 engaged with the hookpart of the fastening part 300 move as the hook part moves. At thistime, however, the both ends of the first loop parts 930L1 are fixed tothe first welded parts 930A and the third welded parts 930C, and theboth ends of the second loop parts 930L2 are fixed to the second weldedparts 930B and the third welded parts 930C. Therefore, movement of thefirst loop parts 930L1 and the second loop parts 930L2 is restricted, sothat the loop parts are not easily disengaged from the hook part.

The outer sheet 930 forming the first fastening region 900A is anassembly of filaments or staples, more preferably an assembly offilaments, of thermoplastic fibers having fineness of 1 to 3 dtex. It ispreferable that the staples, if used, have at least twice the length ofthe longest side of the surrounding part 930D (which is describedbelow), specifically a length of 50 mm or longer.

The outer sheet 930 has a mass per unit area of 15 to 40 g/m².

The outer sheet 930 can take the form of nonwoven fabric by forming thefirst, second and third welded parts 930A, 930B, 930C in the assembly ofsuch filaments or staples. In place of such nonwoven fabric, the first,second and third welded parts 930A, 930B, 930C may be formed in otherforms of nonwoven fabric, such as thermal bond nonwoven fabric.

In order to form the outer sheet 930 forming the first fastening region900A, first, a web formed of the assembly of thermoplastic fibers forforming the outer sheet 930 is obtained.

Pressure is locally applied to the web by a heated emboss roller, whilethe web is continuously fed in one direction. The thermoplastic fibersare welded by the heated emboss roller, and the first, second and thirdwelded parts 930A, 930B, 930C are formed. The web is fixed by the first,second and third welded parts 930A, 930B, 930C. In this manner, theouter sheet 930 is obtained.

The emboss roller is used in a state of being heated up to a temperatureat which the thermoplastic fibers melt. The first, second and thirdwelded parts 930A, 930B, 930C thus obtained are welded to such an extentthat the thermoplastic fibers cannot be separated from each other.

In this manner, the first, second and third welded parts 930A, 930B,930C are formed by the emboss roller. Therefore, the first, second andthird welded parts 930A, 930B, 930C are recessed compared with otherparts of the outer sheet 930 not having these welded parts.

Therefore, in the disposable pet diaper 10 using the outer sheet 930,the first, second and third welded parts 930A, 930B, 930C are recessedfrom the outside surface 100Z2 of the fastening region 900.

Specifically, the surrounding part 930D in which the first, second andthird welded parts 930A, 930B, 930C are not formed forms a raised partin the outside surface 100Z2 of the first fastening region 900A of thefastening region 900.

Such configuration facilitates user's operation of fixing the hook partof the fastening part 300 to the first fastening region 900A.

Now, the structure of the abdomen-side flap 150 is explained.

As shown in FIG. 3, in the abdomen-side flap 150, the free end 310 ofthe fastening part 300 protrudes from the end 150B in the diapertransverse direction. A point which bisects the fastening part 300 inthe fastening part transverse direction 300Y on a boundary between theend 150B and the fastening part 300 is referred to as a fastening partmidpoint 300P1.

Further, the back-side end 150C of the abdomen-side flap 150 isarcuately formed and extends contiguously from the end 150B of theabdomen-side flap 150 in the diaper transverse direction to the leg-sideend 120A.

A preferable structure of the abdomen-side flap 150 is now describedwith reference to FIGS. 9 and 10.

In FIG. 9, a diaper longitudinal center line 100Y2 passes through thecenter of the disposable pet diaper 10 in the diaper transversedirection X. Specifically, the diaper longitudinal center line 100Y2coincides with a line connecting an abdomen-side end center point 110APon the center of the abdomen-side end 110A and a back-side end centerpoint 130AP on the center of the back-side end 130A in the disposablepet diaper 10.

The length between the abdomen-side end 110A and the back-side end 130Aon the diaper longitudinal center line 100Y2 is referred to as a diaperlongitudinal length D1.

Further, a point which bisects the diaper longitudinal length D1 isreferred to as a diaper center point 100P.

In providing the structure of the abdomen-side flap 150, the inventorfocused on the relation between straight lines connecting the fasteningpart midpoint 300P1 of the fastening part 300 and the diaperlongitudinal center line 100Y2 and the shape of the back-side end 150Cof the abdomen-side flap 150.

Especially, the relation between a shortest straight-line distance 300Lof a straight line passing the back-side end 150C of the abdomen-sideflap 150, among the straight lines connecting the fastening partmidpoint 300P1 of the fastening part 300 and the diaper longitudinalcenter line 100Y2, and a point of intersection of this straight linewith the diaper longitudinal center line 100Y2 or a shortest line point300P2 was focused on.

As a result of keen studies, it was found that the abdomen-side flap 150has a suitable and advantageous structure when the shortest line point300P2 is located on the side of the abdomen-side end 110A of thedisposable pet diaper 10 beyond the diaper center point 100P.

Specifically, the position of the shortest line point 300P2 has a greatinfluence on the shape of the back-side end 150C of the abdomen-sideflap 150. As described above, the back-side end 150C is arcuate andextends from the end 150B of the abdomen-side flap 150 in the diapertransverse direction to the leg-side end 120A of the disposable petdiaper 10.

In this respect, assuming that the shortest line point 300P2 is locatedon the back-side end 130A side beyond the diaper center point, theposition at which the back-side end 150C of the abdomen-side flap 150meets the leg-side end 120A is located closer to the back-side end 130Athan that in the present invention. As a result, the area of theabdomen-side flap 150 is increased. Therefore, when the disposable petdiaper 10 is put on the pet α, the abdomen-side flap 150 comes incontact with a leg α1 of the pet over a longer range.

In the position of the shortest line point 300P2 according to thisinvention, however, as shown in FIG. 10, the area of the abdomen-sideflap 150 can be reduced, and the length with which the back-side end150C of the abdomen-side flap 150 comes in contact with the leg α1 ofthe pet can be reduced.

The disposable pet diaper 10 is available in various sizes correspondingto pets of various sizes. The pets here are limited to cats and dogs. Inthis case, when a measured length D2 or a distance between the shortestline point 300P2 and the abdomen-side end center point 110AP of thedisposable pet diaper 10, is set to 170 to 250 mm, the suitable andadvantageous abdomen-side flap 150 can be provided in the disposable petdiaper 10 of any size.

Further, the relation between the measured length D2 and the diaperlongitudinal length D1 of the disposable pet diaper 10 was alsoconsidered. As a result, it was found that the suitable and advantageousabdomen-side flap 150 can be provided in the disposable pet diaper 10 ofany size when the ratio of the measured length D2 to the diaperlongitudinal length D1 is 45.5 to 50.0%.

In the disposable pet diaper 10, a leg stretchable elastic member 400 isprovided in the absorbent-core non-arrangement region 170 between theend 100A in the diaper transverse direction and the absorbent core 200.

The leg stretchable elastic member 400 is arranged in a stretched state,and when using the disposable pet diaper 10, the leg stretchable elasticmember 400 contracts and forms leg gathers 410 which are describedbelow.

The leg stretchable elastic member 400 is arranged to extend from theabdomen-side end 110A to the back-side end 130A of the disposable petdiaper 10 in the diaper longitudinal direction Y.

Here, “to extend from the abdomen-side end 110A to the back-side end130A” of the disposable pet diaper 10 does not only mean that the legstretchable elastic member 400 continuously extends from theabdomen-side end 110A to the back-side end 130A. Specifically, the legstretchable elastic member 400 may be arranged to extend with a distancefrom the abdomen-side end 110A or the back-side end 130A only if theabdomen-side end 110A or the back-side end 130A is acted upon by thecontraction force of the leg stretchable elastic member 400 and theerected section 700 is formed.

The leg stretchable elastic member 400 is formed of synthetic or naturalrubber thread.

The disposable pet diaper 10 has a waist stretchable elastic member 500.The waist stretchable elastic member 500 includes an abdomen-side waiststretchable elastic member 510 disposed in the absorbent-corenon-arrangement region 170 between the end 110A in the diaperlongitudinal direction and the abdomen-side end 210 of the absorbentcore 200, and a back-side waist stretchable elastic member 520 disposedin the absorbent-core non-arrangement region 170 between the end 130A inthe diaper longitudinal direction and the back-side end 220 of theabsorbent core 200.

The waist stretchable elastic member 500 is arranged in a stretchedstate, and when using the disposable pet diaper 10, the waiststretchable elastic member 500 contracts and forms waist gathers 530.

The waist stretchable elastic member 500 and the leg stretchable elasticmember 400 are arranged to overlap each other. Here, the term “overlap”as used in this embodiment does not only mean that the waist stretchableelastic member 500 and the leg stretchable elastic member 400 are indirect contact with each other. Specifically, the waist stretchableelastic member 500 and the leg stretchable elastic member 400 do notneed to be in direct contact with each other only if their contractionforces act upon each other such that a contraction force intersectingregion 180 is formed.

The waist stretchable elastic member 500 is formed of a urethane foamedsheet material.

The disposable pet diaper 10 has a leakproof sheet 800.

A leakproof sheet stretchable elastic member 600 is disposed in astretched state in the leakproof sheet 800.

The leakproof sheet 800 is disposed in a prescribed region extendingfrom each of the ends 100A in the transverse direction of the disposablepet diaper 10 to the body 140B of the disposable pet diaper 10.

The leakproof sheet stretchable elastic member 600 is disposed within aspace which is created by a folded part 810 of an inner end of theleakproof sheet 800 and extends in the diaper longitudinal direction Y.

As shown in FIG. 11, the leakproof sheet 800 has a fixed part 830 whichis fixed to other components (a liquid-permeable sheet 910, aliquid-resistant sheet 920, an outer sheet 930) of the disposable petdiaper 10 by an adhesive (not shown). In FIG. 11, the fixed part 830 isshown by hatching.

The fixed part 830 is not formed in a region of the leakproof sheet 800which extends in the diaper longitudinal direction Y and overlaps withthe end 230 of the absorbent core 200 in the diaper transverse directionX. This region not having the fixed part 830 is erected by contractionof the leakproof sheet stretchable elastic member 600 and forms aleakproof wall 820 which is described below. Further, leakproof gathers840 are formed in the leakproof sheet 800 by contraction of theleakproof sheet stretchable elastic member 600.

The leakproof sheet stretchable elastic member 600 does not need to beprovided along the whole length of the region (which forms the leakproofwall 820) not having the fixed part 830 in the diaper longitudinaldirection Y. For example, it is sufficient to provide the leakproofsheet stretchable elastic member 600 only in part of the region of theleakproof wall 820 in the diaper longitudinal direction Y. Specifically,it is sufficient for the contraction force of the leakproof sheetstretchable elastic member 600 to act upon a part of the fixed part 830on the both ends of the region of the leakproof wall 820 in the diaperlongitudinal direction Y. Here, the part of the fixed part 830 on theboth ends of the region of the leakproof wall 820 in the diaperlongitudinal direction Y is referred to as a contraction force fixingpart 610.

The contraction force fixing part 610 includes an abdomen-sidecontraction force fixing part 620 and a back-side contraction forcefixing part 630.

The back-side contraction force fixing part 630 is provided between theback-side end 220 of the absorbent core 200 and the tail insertionopening 190. Specifically, by provision of this structure, theabsorbent-core non-arrangement region 170 between the back-side end 220of the absorbent core 200 and the tail insertion opening 190 is erectedby contraction of the leakproof sheet stretchable elastic member 600 andforms the erected section 700.

Further, the abdomen-side contraction force fixing part 620 is providedbetween the abdomen-side end 210 of the absorbent core 200 and theabdomen-side end 110A of the disposable pet diaper 10. Specifically, byprovision of this structure, as described below, the absorbent-corenon-arrangement region 170 between the abdomen-side end 210 of theabsorbent core 200 and the abdomen-side end 110A of the disposable petdiaper 10 is erected by contraction of the leakproof sheet stretchableelastic member 600 and forms the erected section 700.

The disposable pet diaper 10 includes the liquid-permeable sheet 910,the absorbent core 200, the liquid-resistant sheet 920, the outer sheet930 and the leakproof sheet 800.

As shown in FIGS. 12 to 14, the liquid-permeable sheet 910 is disposedon the inside surface 100Z1 side of the disposable pet diaper 10. Theabsorbent core 200 is disposed between the liquid-permeable sheet 910and the liquid-resistant sheet 920. The outer sheet 930 is disposed onthe outside surface 100Z2 side of the liquid-resistant sheet 920. Theleakproof sheet 800 is disposed over the liquid-permeable sheet 910, theliquid-resistant sheet 920 and the outer sheet 930 in the diapertransverse direction X. As a result, the abdomen-side flap 150 and theback-side flap 160 are formed by the leakproof sheet 800 and the outersheet 930.

The leg stretchable elastic member 400 is disposed between the leakproofsheet 800 and the liquid-resistant sheet 920.

The leakproof sheet stretchable elastic member 600 is disposed in thespace inside the folded part 810 formed on the end of the leakproofsheet 800.

As shown in FIG. 12, the fastening part 300 is disposed between theleakproof sheet 800 and the outer sheet 930.

As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, the leakproof sheet 800 not having thefixed part 830 is erected by contraction of the leakproof sheetstretchable elastic member 600 and forms the leakproof wall 820. At thistime, a large number of creases or the leakproof gathers 840 are formedin the leakproof sheet 800.

As shown in FIG. 14, the second fastening region 900B of the fasteningregion 900 is provided on the outside surface 100Z2 of the outer sheet930.

The waist stretchable elastic member 500, not shown, is disposed betweenthe liquid-permeable sheet 910 and the liquid-resistant sheet 920.

The liquid-permeable sheet 910, the liquid-resistant sheet 920, theouter sheet 930 and the leakproof sheet 800 are formed of nonwovenfabric. The nonwoven fabric can be selected from those manufactured byspun lacing, needle punching, melt blowing, thermal bonding, spunbonding or chemical bonding.

An adhesive, not shown, is used to fix the liquid-permeable sheet 910,the liquid-resistant sheet 920, the outer sheet 930 and the leakproofsheet 800 with each other and to fix the leg stretchable elastic member400, the leakproof sheet stretchable elastic member 600 and the waiststretchable elastic member 500. A hot-melt adhesive is preferably usedas the adhesive, but other adhesives such as acrylic adhesive and rubberadhesive can also be used.

The adhesive is preferably applied in any one of spiral, wave, dot andstripe patterns.

Next, the relation between the contraction forces of the leg stretchableelastic member 400 and the waist stretchable elastic member 500 isdescribed with reference to FIGS. 15 and 16. In FIGS. 15 and 16, forconvenience of explanation, the abdomen-side flaps 150 and the back-sideflaps 160 are not shown and only the body 140B is shown.

As shown in FIG. 15, the leg stretchable elastic member 400 contractsinward from the ends in the diaper longitudinal direction Y.Specifically, contraction force F1 of the leg stretchable elastic member400 acts inward in the diaper longitudinal direction Y.

The waist stretchable elastic member 500 contracts inward from the endsin the diaper transverse direction X. Specifically, contraction force F2of the waist stretchable elastic member 500 acts inward in the diapertransverse direction X.

The contraction force intersecting region 180 is a region in which thecontraction force F1 of the leg stretchable elastic member 400 and thecontraction force F2 of the waist stretchable elastic member 500intersect with each other. Therefore, contraction force F3 of thecontraction force intersecting region 180 acts inward in a directioncrossing the diaper longitudinal direction Y and the diaper transversedirection X.

The contraction force intersecting region 180 includes a firstcontraction force intersecting region 181 formed toward the abdomen-sideend 110A of the disposable pet diaper 10 and a second contraction forceintersecting region 182 formed toward the back-side end 130A.

As a result, as shown in FIG. 16, a first curved part 540 is formed inthe abdomen-side end 110A and the back-side end 130A of the disposablepet diaper 10 and bulges outward in a direction from the inside surface100Z1 to the outside surface 100Z2 of the disposable pet diaper 10 bythe contraction force F2 of the waist stretchable elastic member 500.

The first curved part 540 includes a first abdomen-side curved part 541formed in the abdomen-side end 110A of the disposable pet diaper 10 anda first back-side curved part 542 formed in the back-side end 130A ofthe disposable pet diaper 10.

Further, a second curved part 183 is formed in the contraction forceintersecting region 180 and curved in the direction of the insidesurface 100Z1 of the disposable pet diaper 10 by the contraction forceF3 acting on the contraction force intersecting region 180.

The second curved part 183 includes a second abdomen-side curved part184 formed in the first contraction force intersecting region 181 and asecond back-side curved part 185 formed in the second contraction forceintersecting region 182.

Now, the state in which the leg stretchable elastic member 400 and theleakproof sheet stretchable elastic member 600 are contracted isdescribed with reference to FIG. 17. FIG. 17 is a sectional view takenalong line D-D in FIG. 1, but, for convenience of explanation, part ofthe liquid-permeable sheet 910, the liquid-resistant sheet 920 and theouter sheet 930 and the whole of the absorbent core 200 and thefastening region 900 are not shown.

In FIG. 17, the leg stretchable elastic member 400 and the leakproofsheet stretchable elastic member 600 are contracted. As a result, theerected section 700 is formed by the contraction forces of the legstretchable elastic member 400 and the leakproof sheet stretchableelastic member 600. Specifically, each of the abdomen-side erectedregion 171, the back-side erected region 172 and the crotch-side erectedregion 173 in the absorbent-core non-arrangement region 170 is erectedand forms the erected section 700.

The erected section 700 includes an abdomen-side erected section 710, aback-side erected section 720 and a crotch-side erected section 730.

The abdomen-side erected region 171 is erected by contraction of the legstretchable elastic member 400 and forms the abdomen-side erectedsection 710.

The end of the leg stretchable elastic member 400 is arranged closer tothe abdomen-side end 110A of the disposable pet diaper 10 than the endof the leakproof sheet stretchable elastic member 600. Therefore, theabdomen-side erected section 710 more strongly receives the influence ofthe contraction force of the leg stretchable elastic member 400 than theinfluence of the contraction force of the leakproof sheet stretchableelastic member 600. Specifically, the abdomen-side fixing part 620 ofthe contraction force fixing part 610 is moved by the contraction forceof the leakproof sheet stretchable elastic member 600, which causeserection of the abdomen-side erected region 171. Therefore, theleakproof sheet stretchable elastic member 600 also forms theabdomen-side erected section 710.

Further, in this invention, as used herein, the term “erect” to form theerected section 700 means that the absorbent-core non-arrangement region170 deforms by the contraction force of one of the stretchable elasticmembers or by a combination of the contraction forces of two or more ofthe stretchable elastic members.

The back-side erected region 172 is erected by contraction of the legstretchable elastic member 400 and forms the back-side erected section720.

The leg stretchable elastic member 400 is overlapped with the waiststretchable elastic member 500. Specifically, the both ends of the legstretchable elastic member 400 are overlapped with the abdomen-sidewaist stretchable elastic member 510 and the back-side waist stretchableelastic member 520.

The waist stretchable elastic member 500 is arranged having a prescribedlength in the diaper transverse direction. Therefore, the abdomen-sideerected section 710 and the back-side erected section 720 erect theabdomen-side waist stretchable elastic member 510 and the back-sidewaist stretchable elastic member 520, respectively. Thus, theabdomen-side erected region 171 and the back-side erected region 172 areheld in the stable erected state. Specifically, the abdomen-side waiststretchable elastic member 510 and the back-side waist stretchableelastic member 520 are provided as an erection sheet 740 to ensure theerected state of the erected section 700.

When the back-side fixing part 630 of the contraction force fixing part610 is moved by contraction of the leakproof sheet stretchable elasticmember 600, the crotch-side erected region 173 is erected and forms thecrotch-side erected section 730.

Further, as described above, the leakproof wall 820 is formed bycontraction of the leakproof sheet stretchable elastic member 600. Aspace surrounded by the leakproof wall 820, the abdomen-side erectedsection 710, the crotch-side erected section 730 and the absorbent core(not shown in FIG. 17) forms an excrement storage space 850.

A third curved part 640 is formed in a region extending from theabdomen-side end 110A to the tail insertion opening 190 in thedisposable pet diaper 10 and bulges in a direction from the insidesurface 100Z1 to the outside surface 100Z2 of the disposable pet diaper10 by the contraction forces F1 of the leg stretchable elastic member400 and the leakproof sheet stretchable elastic member 600.

A fourth curved part 420 is formed in a region extending from the tailinsertion opening 190 to the back-side end 130A in the disposable petdiaper 10 and bulges in a direction from the inside surface 100Z1 to theoutside surface 100Z2 of the disposable pet diaper 10 mainly by thecontraction force F1 of the leg stretchable elastic member 400.

Next, the operation of putting the disposable pet diaper 10 on a pet isexplained with reference to FIGS. 18 to 20. First, a user takes thedisposable pet diaper 10 out of a package. In most cases, in thepackage, the abdomen-side flaps 150 and the back-side flaps 160 of thedisposable pet diaper 10 are folded inward, and the disposable petdiaper 10 itself is folded, for example, into two or three.

When using the disposable pet diaper 10, the user unfolds the foldedstructure. At this time, the leg stretchable elastic member 400, thewaist stretchable elastic member 500 and the leakproof sheet stretchableelastic member 600 contract. As a result, the erected section 700including the abdomen-side erected section 710, the back-side erectedsection 720 and the crotch-side erected section 730 is formed, and theleakproof wall 820 is formed. Further, the first curved part 540, thesecond curved part 183, the third curved part 640 and the fourth curvedpart 420 are formed, and the leg gathers 410, the waist gathers 530 andthe leakproof gathers 840 are formed. The shape of the disposable petdiaper 10 is stabilized by contraction of the leg stretchable elasticmember 400, the waist stretchable elastic member 500 and the leakproofsheet stretchable elastic member 600.

Next, the user inserts the tail of the pet α through the tail insertionopening 190 of the disposable pet diaper 10.

Then the user covers the crotch and the abdomen of the pet α with thecrotch area 120 and the abdomen-side waist area 110, while the back-sidewaist area 130 is fitted closely to the back of the pet α. Then the freeend 310 of the fastening part 300 is fastened to the fastening region900. Thus, the disposable pet diaper 10 is put on the pet α.

These matters related to putting the disposable pet diaper 10 on the petα is an example embodiment that corresponds to the feature that “whenthe disposable diaper is put on the pet, the crotch area and theabdomen-side waist area cover a crotch and an abdomen of the pet, whilethe back-side waist area is closely fitted to a back of the pet, and thefastening part is fastened to the fastening region” according to thisinvention.

The state of the disposable pet diaper 10 in fitting the back-side waistarea 130 to the back of the pet α is explained with reference to FIG.18.

The first curved part 540 bulging outward in the direction of the diaperoutside surface 100Z2 is already formed in the back-side end 130A.Further, a region extending from the back-side end 130A to the tailinsertion opening 190 is maintained in a stable shape by the fourthcurved part 420. The back-side flap 160 is curved in the direction ofthe inside surface 100Z1 of the disposable pet diaper 10 together withthe second contraction force intersecting region 182 by the secondcurved part 183.

Thus, the user can easily place the back-side end 130A along a curve ofthe back of the pet α.

Further, the back-side end 130A has a low possibility of turning up.

The state of the disposable pet diaper 10 in covering the crotch and theabdomen of the pet α with the crotch area 120 and the abdomen-side waistarea 110 and fastening the free end 310 of the fastening part 300 to thefastening region 900, is explained with reference to FIG. 19.

The first curved part 540 bulging outward in the direction of the diaperoutside surface 100Z2 is already formed in the abdomen-side end 110A.Further, a region extending from the abdomen-side end 110A to the tailinsertion opening 190 is maintained in a stable shape by the thirdcurved part 640.

The abdomen-side flap 150 is curved together with the first contractionforce intersecting region 181 in the direction of the inside surface100Z1 of the disposable pet diaper 10 by the second curved part 183. Inthe abdomen-side flap 150 having the fastening part 300, the end 150B inthe transverse direction is heavier than a boundary part of theabdomen-side flap 150 with the body 140B. Therefore, the boundary partof the abdomen-side flap 150 with the body 140B is curved in thedirection of the inside surface 100Z1 together with the second curvedpart 183, while the end 150B of the abdomen-side flap 150 in thetransverse direction is curved in the direction of the outside surface100Z2 by its own weight. As a result, the fastening part 300 issupported by the abdomen-side flap 150 without hanging straight down.

Thus, the user can easily set the abdomen-side end 110A onto a curve ofthe abdomen of the pet α.

Further, the abdomen-side end 110A has a low possibility of turning up.

Further, the user can easily grab the fastening part 300.

Furthermore, when the user moves the fastening part 300 toward thefastening region 900, the fastening part 300 receives the influence ofthe first contraction force intersecting region 181. Therefore, whereverthe user moves the fastening part 300, the contraction force acts uponthe fastening part 300. As a result, the user can easily move thefastening part 300 onto a desired position of the fastening region 900.

FIG. 20 is a drawing for illustrating the state of the disposable petdiaper 10 worn by the pet α.

Even after the disposable pet diaper 10 has been put on the pet, the legstretchable elastic member 400, the waist stretchable elastic member 500and the leakproof sheet stretchable elastic member 600 are maintained inthe contracted state. Therefore, the erected section 700 including theabdomen-side erected section 710, the back-side erected section 720 andthe crotch-side erected section 730 is maintained in the erected state.The leakproof wall 820 is also maintained. Further, the first curvedpart 540, the second curved part 183, the third curved part 640 and thefourth curved part 420 are maintained in the curved state. The leggathers 410, the waist gathers 530 and the leakproof gathers 840 aremaintained.

When the pet α excretes, excrement is held within the excrement storagespace 850. When the excrement is urine, it is absorbed by the absorbentcore 200. When the excrement is feces, part of feces is absorbed by theabsorbent core 200 and the rest is held within the excrement storagespace 850.

Whether the excrement is urine or feces, the weight of the absorbentcore 200 is received in the fastening part longitudinal direction 300Xin the free part 310 of the fastening part 300.

This is an example embodiment that corresponds to the feature that “theweight of the absorbent core after excretion is received in thelongitudinal direction of the fastening part while the disposable diaperis worn by the pet” according to this invention.

In order to remove the disposable pet diaper 10 from the pet α, thefastening part 300 is detached from the fastening region 900, and thenthe disposable pet diaper 10 is pulled off through the tail insertionopening 190 and disposed of.

In the process of detaching the fastening part 300 from the fasteningregion 900 and pulling off the disposable pet diaper 10 through the tailinsertion opening 190, the abdomen-side end 110A is turned obliquelydownward from the pet α. Even at this time, the risk of falling of fecescan be reduced by the abdomen-side erected section 710.

Second to twenty-ninth embodiments of the present invention are nowdescribed with reference to FIGS. 21 to 50. In the description of thesecond to twenty-ninth embodiments, components which are identical tothose in the first embodiment are not described in detail and theirreference numerals are omitted.

Second Embodiment

The second embodiment of the present invention is explained withreference to FIG. 21. A disposable pet diaper 11 according to the secondembodiment is different from the disposable pet diaper 10 of the firstembodiment in that an identification region 11A is formed as a secondextended identification region 11A1.

Specifically, the identification region 11A extends from thelongitudinal end of the back-side flap 160 of the disposable pet diaper11 in the diaper longitudinal direction.

By providing the identification region 11A as the second extendedidentification region 11A1, whether the back-side flap 160 is creased ornot can be confirmed when the disposable pet diaper 11 is put on a pet.Specifically, if the second extended identification region 11A1 isvisible when the disposable pet diaper 11 is put on a pet, it isidentified that the back-side flap 160 is not creased. On the otherhand, if the second extended identification region 11A1 is not visibleor is creased, it is identified that the back-side flap 160 is creased.

Third Embodiment

The third embodiment of the present invention is explained withreference to FIG. 22. A disposable pet diaper 12 according to the thirdembodiment is different from the disposable pet diaper 10 of the firstembodiment in that an identification region 12A is formed as a coloredidentification region 12A1 which is differently colored from the otherregion of the back-side flap 160.

By providing the identification region 12A as the colored identificationregion 12A1, whether the back-side flap 160 is creased or not can beconfirmed when the disposable pet diaper 12 is put on a pet.Specifically, if the colored identification region 12A1 is visible whenthe disposable pet diaper 12 is put on a pet, it is identified that theback-side flap 160 is not creased. On the other hand, if the coloredidentification region 12A1 is not visible or is creased, it isidentified that the back-side flap 160 is creased.

Fourth Embodiment

The fourth embodiment of the present invention is explained withreference to FIG. 23. A disposable pet diaper 13 according to the fourthembodiment is different from the disposable pet diaper 10 of the firstembodiment in that an identification region 13A is formed in theabdomen-side flap 150.

The identification region 13A formed in the abdomen-side flap 150 formsa visible region 13A1 for checking the state of the back-side flap 160.

In the fourth embodiment, the visible region 13A1 is formed by a lighttransmissive identification region 13A2 which is capable of transmittinglight.

Specifically, the light transmissive identification region 13A2 isobtained by forming the abdomen-side flap 150 of a known nonwoven fabricor film which is capable of transmitting light. It needs to have a lighttransmitting capability enough to make the back-side flap 160 visiblethrough the abdomen-side flap 150 when the abdomen-side flap 150 is puton the back-side flap 160.

By providing the identification region 13A as the visible region 13A1 inthe form of the light transmissive identification region 13A2, whetherthe back-side flap 160 is creased or not can be confirmed when thedisposable pet diaper 13 is put on a pet. Specifically, the state of theback-side flap 160 can be visually checked through the lighttransmissive identification region 13A2 when the disposable pet diaper13 is put on a pet.

Fifth Embodiment

The fifth embodiment of the present invention is explained withreference to FIG. 24. A disposable pet diaper 14 according to the fifthembodiment is different from the disposable pet diaper 10 of the firstembodiment in that an identification region 14A in the form of a visibleregion 14A1 is formed by a cutout identification region 14A2 that isformed by cutting out an abdomen-side end portion of the abdomen-sideflap 150.

By providing the identification region 14A as the visible region 14A1 inthe form of the cutout identification region 14A2, whether the back-sideflap 160 is creased or not can be confirmed when the disposable petdiaper 14 is put on a pet. Specifically, the state of the back-side flap160 can be visually checked through the cutout identification region14A2 when the disposable pet diaper 14 is put on a pet.

Sixth Embodiment

The sixth embodiment of the present invention is explained withreference to FIG. 25. A disposable pet diaper 15 according to the sixthembodiment is different from the disposable pet diaper 10 of the firstembodiment in that an identification region 15A in the form of a visibleregion 15A1 is formed by a first open identification region 15A2 that isformed by providing an opening in the abdomen-side flap 160.

By providing the identification region 15A as the visible region 15A1 inthe form of the first open identification region 15A2, whether theback-side flap 160 is creased or not can be confirmed when thedisposable pet diaper 15 is put on a pet. Specifically, the state of theback-side flap 160 can be visually checked through the first openidentification region 15A2 when the disposable pet diaper 15 is put on apet.

Seventh Embodiment

The seventh embodiment of the present invention is explained withreference to FIG. 26. A disposable pet diaper 16 according to theseventh embodiment is different from the disposable pet diaper 10 of thefirst embodiment in that an identification region 16A in the form of avisible region 16A1 has a second open identification region 16A2 formedby an opening in the abdomen-side flap 150, and a cover region 16A22that is configured to cover the second open identification region 16A2and to be freely opened and closed with respect to the second openidentification region 16A2.

The second open identification region 16A2 is formed by an opening 16A21in the abdomen-side flap 150.

The cover region 16A22 has a first cover part 16A221 and a second coverpart 16A223. The first cover part 16A221 and the second cover part16A223 are arranged side by side so as to cover the opening 16A21. Thefirst cover part 16A221 and the second cover part 16A223 are opposed toeach other at the center of the opening 16A21. Ends of the first coverpart 16A221 other than the end opposed to the second cover part 16A223form a first bonded part 16A222 connected to the outer sheet by anadhesive. Ends of the second cover part 16A223 other than the endopposed to the first cover part 16A221 form a second bonded part 16A224connected to the outer sheet by an adhesive.

By providing the identification region 16A as the visible region 16A1 inthe form of the second open identification region 16A2 and the coverregion 16A22, whether the back-side flap 160 is creased or not can beconfirmed when the disposable pet diaper 16 is put on a pet.Specifically, when the disposable pet diaper 16 is put on a pet, asshown in FIG. 27, the second open identification region 16A2 can beexposed by press-opening the first cover part 16A221 and the secondcover part 16A223. Therefore, the state of the back-side flap 160 can bevisually checked through the second open identification region 16A2.

Various structures of the identification regions are described above bymeans of the first to seventh embodiments of the present invention, butthe structures of the identification regions of the present inventionare not limited to those as described above.

The identification region may be formed by a back-side flapidentification region formed in the back-side flap and an abdomen-sideflap identification region formed in the abdomen-side flap.

Eighth Embodiment

The eighth embodiment of the present invention is explained withreference to FIG. 28. In a disposable pet diaper 17 according to theeighth embodiment, a lateral end 161B of a back-side flap 161 is formedto have a shape that gradually changes in the diaper longitudinaldirection. This shape of the lateral end 161B is defined by a straightline.

A maximum width region 161B1 of the lateral end 161B is formed by anintersecting part between a first straight part 161BA and a secondstraight part 161BB. Therefore, the maximum width region 161B 1intersects at a point with a virtual line extending in the diaperlongitudinal direction.

The disposable pet diaper 17 constructed as described above according tothe eighth embodiment has the same effect as the disposable pet diaper10 of the first embodiment.

Ninth Embodiment

The ninth embodiment of the present invention is explained withreference to FIG. 29. In a disposable pet diaper 18 according to theninth embodiment, a lateral end 162B of a back-side flap 162 has aregion having a shape that gradually changes in the diaper longitudinaldirection and a region extending parallel to the diaper longitudinaldirection.

The region of the lateral end 162B of the back-side flap 162 having ashape that gradually changes in the diaper longitudinal direction, isdefined by a generally circular arc curve. The generally circular arccurve has a first circular arc part 162BA and a second circular arc part162BC.

The lateral end 162B of the back-side flap 162 further has a straightpart 162BB which defines a maximum width region 162B1 having a maximumwidth.

The disposable pet diaper 18 constructed as described above according tothe ninth embodiment has the same effect as the disposable pet diaper 10of the first embodiment.

Tenth Embodiment

The tenth embodiment of the present invention is explained withreference to FIG. 30. In a disposable pet diaper 19 according to thetenth embodiment, a lateral end 163B of a back-side flap 163 has aregion having a shape that gradually changes in the diaper longitudinaldirection and a region extending parallel to the diaper longitudinaldirection.

The region of the lateral end 163B of the back-side flap 163 having ashape that gradually changes in the diaper longitudinal direction, isdefined by a straight line. This straight line has a first straight part163BA and a second straight part 163BC.

The lateral end 163B of the back-side flap 163 further has a thirdstraight part 163BB which defines a maximum width region 163B1 having amaximum width.

The disposable pet diaper 19 constructed as described above according tothe tenth embodiment has the same effect as the disposable pet diaper 10of the first embodiment.

Eleventh Embodiment

The eleventh embodiment of the present invention is explained withreference to FIG. 31. In a disposable pet diaper 20 according to theeleventh embodiment, a lateral end 901BB of a second fastening region901B has a shape that gradually changes in the diaper longitudinaldirection.

The lateral end 901BB of the second fastening region 901B has agenerally circular arc shape.

The disposable pet diaper 20 constructed as described above according tothe eleventh embodiment has the same effect as the disposable pet diaper10 of the first embodiment.

Twelfth Embodiment

The twelfth embodiment of the present invention is explained withreference to FIG. 32. In a disposable pet diaper 21 according to thetwelfth embodiment, a lateral end 902BB of a second fastening region902B has a shape that gradually changes in the diaper longitudinaldirection.

The lateral end 902BB of the second fastening region 902B has a linearshape. Specifically, the lateral end 902BB has a first straight part902BB1 and a second straight part 902BB2.

The disposable pet diaper 21 constructed as described above according tothe twelfth embodiment has the same effect as the disposable pet diaper10 of the first embodiment.

13th Embodiment

The 13th embodiment of the present invention is explained with referenceto FIG. 33. In a disposable pet diaper 22 according to the 13thembodiment, a back-side flap 164 has a longer length in the diapertransverse direction than an abdomen-side flap 151.

The disposable pet diaper 22 constructed as described above according tothe 13th embodiment has the same effect as the disposable pet diaper 10of the first embodiment.

14th Embodiment

The 14th embodiment of the present invention is explained with referenceto FIG. 34. In a disposable pet diaper 23 according to the 14thembodiment, only a first fastening region 901A is provided as afastening region 901 over the whole outside surface 100Z2 of thedisposable pet diaper 23.

The disposable pet diaper 23 constructed as described above according tothe 14th embodiment has the same effect as the disposable pet diaper 10of the first embodiment.

15th Embodiment

The 15th embodiment of the present invention is explained with referenceto FIG. 35. In a disposable pet diaper 24 according to the 15thembodiment, a first fastening region 902A is provided as a fasteningregion 902 on the outside surface 100Z2 extending over the diaper bodywithin the back-side waist area and the back-side flaps.

In the other part of the outside surface 100Z2 which does not have thefirst fastening region 902A, nonwoven fabric which does not have a forceof engagement with the hook part of the fastening part can be used.

The disposable pet diaper 24 constructed as described above according tothe 15th embodiment has the same effect as the disposable pet diaper 10of the first embodiment.

16th Embodiment

The 16th embodiment of the present invention is explained with referenceto FIG. 36. In a disposable pet diaper 25 according to the 16thembodiment, a first fastening region 903A is provided as a fasteningregion 903 on the outside surface 100Z2 of the diaper body within theback-side waist area.

In the outside surface of the back-side flap which does not have thefirst fastening region 903A, nonwoven fabric which does not have a forceof engagement with the hook part of the fastening part can be used.

The disposable pet diaper 25 constructed as described above according tothe 16th embodiment has the same effect as the disposable pet diaper 10of the first embodiment.

17th Embodiment

The 17th embodiment of the present invention is explained with referenceto FIGS. 37 and 38. In a disposable pet diaper 26 according to the 17thembodiment, a third welded part 931C is formed by third welded shortlines 931 C2 which are continuously arranged with intervals in a firstfastening region 904A of a fastening region 904.

The relation between a pair of the third welded short lines 931C2 in athird adjacent welded part group 931CB in such a case in which the thirdwelded part 931C is formed by the third welded short lines 931 C2 is nowexplained.

First, lines passing each end of the third welded short lines 931C2 andrunning perpendicularly to the third direction are referred to asvirtual lines 931CBL.

In one of a pair of the adjacent third welded parts 931C of the thirdadjacent welded part group 931CB, the third welded short line 931C2 islocated between the virtual lines 931CBL, while, in the other thirdwelded part 931C, a space between the third welded short lines 931C2exists between the virtual lines 931CBL. This relation is defined as therelation that “the welded short lines in the adjacent welded part groupdo not overlap with each other”.

In such a case in which the third welded part 931C is formed by thethird welded short lines 931C2, other arrangement of a pair of the thirdwelded parts 931C forming the third adjacent welded part group 931CB isnow considered.

In the third adjacent welded part group 931CB, a pair of the thirdwelded short lines 931C2 may exist in a direction perpendicular to thethird direction. This relation is defined as the relation that “thewelded short lines in the adjacent welded part group overlap with eachother”.

The relation that “the welded short lines in the adjacent welded partgroup overlap with each other” and the relation that “the welded shortlines in the adjacent welded part group do not overlap with each other”may also be provided in the first and second welded parts. Specifically,these relations of “the welded short lines in the adjacent welded partgroup” can be appropriately selected depending on the structure of theloop parts to be obtained.

A surrounding part 931D of the disposable pet diaper 26 according to the17th embodiment is now described with reference to FIG. 38.

The surrounding part 931D is defined by a first welded part 931A in theform of a first continuous line 931A1 and a second welded part 931B inthe form of a second continuous line 931B1.

In the surrounding part 931D, a first loop part 931L1 and a second looppart 931L2 are formed.

Further, by providing the third welded part 931C as the third weldedshort lines 931 C2, a third loop part 931L3 is formed of thermoplasticfibers extending from the first welded part 931A to the second weldedpart 931B through a space between the third welded short lines 931C2 ofthe third welded part 931C and can be removably engaged with the hookpart of the fastening part.

Further, a fourth loop part 931L4 is formed of thermoplastic fibersextending from one of the first welded parts 931A of a first adjacentwelded part group 931 AB to the other first welded part 931A through aspace between the third welded short lines 931C2 of the third weldedpart 931C and can be removably engaged with the hook part of thefastening part.

Further, a fifth loop part 931L5 is formed of thermoplastic fibersextending from one of the second welded parts 931B of a second adjacentwelded part group 931BB to the other second welded part 931B through aspace between the third welded short lines 931C2 of the third weldedpart 931C and can be removably engaged with the hook part of thefastening part.

The disposable pet diaper 26 constructed as described above according tothe 17th embodiment is suitable for use with a hook part having adifferent structure from that of the disposable pet diaper 10 of thefirst embodiment.

18th Embodiment

The 18th embodiment of the present invention is explained with referenceto FIG. 39. In a disposable pet diaper 27 according to the 18thembodiment, a first welded part 932A, a second welded part 932B and athird welded part 932C are formed as first welded short lines 932A2,second welded short lines 932B2 and third welded short lines 932C2,respectively, in a first fastening region 905A of a fastening region905.

By provision of this structure, in addition to the first to fifth loopparts, a sixth loop part can be formed by thermoplastic fibers extendingover the adjacent surrounding parts 932D and can be removably engagedwith the hook part of the fastening part.

Further, the first welded short lines 932A2 of a first adjacent weldedpart group 932AB overlap with each other, and the second welded shortlines 932B2 of a second adjacent welded part group 932BB overlap witheach other.

The disposable pet diaper 27 constructed as described above according tothe 18th embodiment is suitable for use with a hook part having adifferent structure from that of the disposable pet diaper 10 of thefirst embodiment.

19th Embodiment

The 19th embodiment of the present invention is explained with referenceto FIG. 40. In a disposable pet diaper 28 according to the 19thembodiment, a first welded part 933A, a second welded part 933B and athird welded part 933C are formed as first welded short lines 933A2,second welded short lines 933B2 and third welded short lines 933C2,respectively, in a first fastening region 906A of a fastening region906.

The third welded short lines 933C2 are provided to extend over theadjacent surrounding parts 932D.

By provision of this structure, the first to sixth loop parts havingdifferent lengths from those of the above-described first, 17th and 18thembodiments can be formed.

The disposable pet diaper 28 constructed as described above according tothe 19th embodiment is suitable for use with a hook part having adifferent structure from that of the disposable pet diaper 10 of thefirst embodiment.

20th Embodiment

The 20th embodiment of the present invention is explained with referenceto FIG. 41. In a disposable pet diaper 29 according to the 20thembodiment, a first welded part 934A, a second welded part 934B and athird welded part 934C are formed as first welded short lines 934A2,second welded short lines 934B2 and third welded short lines 934C2,respectively, in a first fastening region 907A of a fastening region907.

Further, the first welded part 934A is formed by two parallel firstwelded parts 934A, and the second welded part 934B is formed by twoparallel second welded parts 934B.

By provision of this structure, the first to sixth loop parts havingdifferent lengths from those of the above-described first and 17th to19th embodiments can be formed.

The disposable pet diaper 29 constructed as described above according tothe 20th embodiment is suitable for use with a hook part having adifferent structure from that of the disposable pet diaper 10 of thefirst embodiment.

21st Embodiment

The 21st embodiment of the present invention is explained with referenceto FIG. 42. A disposable pet diaper 30 according to the 21st embodimentis different from the disposable pet diaper 10 of the first embodimentin that a leg stretchable elastic member 401 includes a plurality of legstretchable elastic members. Specifically, the leg stretchable elasticmember 401 of the 21st embodiment is configured by continuouslyarranging a plurality of leg stretchable elastic members with intervalsin the diaper longitudinal direction. The number of the continuouslyarranged leg stretchable elastic members can be appropriately selectedaccording to the disposable pet diaper to be realized.

In the 21st embodiment of this invention, the leg stretchable elasticmember 401 extending continuously in the diaper longitudinal directionincludes three leg stretchable elastic members, or a leg stretchableelastic member 401A in the abdomen-side waist area, a leg stretchableelastic member 401B in the crotch area, and a leg stretchable elasticmember 401C in the back-side waist area.

Like in the first embodiment, in the 21st embodiment, the erectedsection 700 including the abdomen-side erected section 710, theback-side erected section 720 and the crotch-side erected section 730 isformed, and the leakproof wall 820 is formed. Further, the first curvedpart 540 including the first abdomen-side curved part 541 and the firstback-side curved part 542, the second curved part 183 including thesecond abdomen-side curved part 184 and the second back-side curved part185, the third curved part 640 and the fourth curved part 420 areformed. Further, the leg gathers 410, the waist gathers 530 and theleakproof gathers 840 are formed.

Therefore, the disposable pet diaper 30 according to the 21st embodimenthas the same effect as the disposable pet diaper 10 of the firstembodiment.

Furthermore, by provision of the leg stretchable elastic member 401including the three leg stretchable elastic members, the stretchingforces of the leg stretchable elastic members can be prevented fromaffecting each other. Therefore, for example, the back-side waist areais little affected by displacement (or slippage) of the abdomen-sidewaist area, if any, so that displacement can be prevented as a whole.

22nd Embodiment

The 22nd embodiment of the present invention is explained with referenceto FIG. 43. A disposable pet diaper 31 according to the 22nd embodimentis different from the disposable pet diaper 10 of the first embodimentin that a leg stretchable elastic member 402 is not continuouslyarranged in the diaper longitudinal direction.

Specifically, in the 22nd embodiment of this invention, the legstretchable elastic member 402 includes a leg stretchable elastic member402A disposed in the abdomen-side waist area of the disposable petdiaper 31 and a leg stretchable elastic member 402B disposed in theback-side waist area.

The 22nd embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that theleg gathers 410 and the fourth curved part 420 are formed only in theregions of the leg stretchable elastic members 402A and 402B in thedisposable pet diaper 31.

In this structure, the erected section 700 including the abdomen-sideerected section 710, the back-side erected section 720 and thecrotch-side erected section 730 is formed, and the leakproof wall 820 isformed. Further, the first curved part 540 including the firstabdomen-side curved part 541 and the first back-side curved part 542,the second curved part 183 including the second abdomen-side curved part184 and the second back-side curved part 185, the third curved part 640and part of the fourth curved part 420 are formed. Further, part of theleg gathers 410, the waist gathers 530 and the leakproof gathers 840 areformed.

Therefore, the disposable pet diaper 31 according to the 22nd embodimenthas all of the effects of the disposable pet diaper 10 of the firstembodiment other than those exhibited by the whole leg gathers 410 andthe whole fourth curved part 420.

Furthermore, in this structure, the stretchable elastic member is notprovided in the crotch area in which the absorbent core is disposed, andnor in the free end of the leakproof gathers. Therefore, the absorbentcore does not shrink, so that the area of the absorbent core can beeffectively used.

Further, a pocket space can be readily formed in both end regions of theabsorbent core in the diaper longitudinal direction.

Moreover, the stretchable elastic member is not provided in thefastening region. Therefore, the fastening region does not shrink, sothat the fastening part can be easily engaged with the fastening region.

23rd Embodiment

The 23rd embodiment of the present invention is explained with referenceto FIG. 44. A disposable pet diaper 32 according to the 23rd embodimentis different from the disposable pet diaper 10 of the first embodimentin that a leg stretchable elastic member 403 is not provided in theback-side waist area. Further, the contraction force of the leakproofsheet stretchable elastic member exerts no influence on the abdomen-sideend of the disposable pet diaper 32.

Compared with the disposable pet diaper 10 of the first embodiment, thedisposable pet diaper 32 of the 23rd embodiment is different in that theleg gathers 410 and the fourth curved part 420 are formed only in theregion of the leg stretchable elastic member 403. Further, the back-sideerected section 720 of the erected section 700 and the second back-sidecurved part 185 of the second curved part 183 are not formed.

In this structure, the erected section 700 including the abdomen-sideerected section 710 and the crotch-side erected section 730 is formed,and the leakproof wall 820 is formed. Further, the first curved part 540including the first abdomen-side curved part 541 and the first back-sidecurved part 542, the second curved part 183 including the secondabdomen-side curved part 184, the third curved part 640 and part of thefourth curved part 420 are formed. Further, part of the leg gathers 410,the waist gathers 530 and the leakproof gathers 840 are formed.

Therefore, the disposable pet diaper 32 according to the 23rd embodimenthas all of the effects of the disposable pet diaper 10 of the firstembodiment other than those exhibited by the whole leg gathers 410, theback-side erected section 720, the second back-side curved part 185 andthe whole fourth curved part 420.

Further, a pocket space can be readily formed in back-side andabdomen-side end regions of the absorbent core.

24th Embodiment

The 24th embodiment of the present invention is explained with referenceto FIG. 45. A disposable pet diaper 33 according to the 24th embodimentis different from the disposable pet diaper 10 of the first embodimentin that a leg stretchable elastic member 404 is not provided in theabdomen-side waist area. Further, the contraction force of the leakproofsheet stretchable elastic member exerts no influence on the back-sideend of the disposable pet diaper 33.

Compared with the disposable pet diaper 10 of the first embodiment, thedisposable pet diaper 33 of the 24th embodiment is different in that theleg gathers 410 are formed only in the region of the leg stretchableelastic member 404. Further, the abdomen-side erected section 710 of theerected section 700 and the second abdomen-side curved part 184 of thesecond curved part 183 are not formed.

In this structure, the erected section 700 including the back-sideerected section 720 and the crotch-side erected section 730 is formed,and the leakproof wall 820 is formed. Further, the first curved part 540including the first abdomen-side curved part 541 and the first back-sidecurved part 542, the second curved part 183 including the secondback-side curved part 185, the third curved part 640 and the fourthcurved part 420 are formed. Further, part of the leg gathers 410, thewaist gathers 530 and the leakproof gathers 840 are formed.

Therefore, the disposable pet diaper 33 according to the 24th embodimenthas all of the effects of the disposable pet diaper 10 of the firstembodiment other than those exhibited by the whole leg gathers 410, theabdomen-side erected section 710 and the second abdomen-side curved part184.

Further, the absorbent core is not subjected to a contraction force, sothat the area of the absorbent core can be effectively used.

Moreover, by provision of the leg stretchable elastic member only in theback-side area, it is made easier to fit the disposable pet diaper alongthe back of the pet. As a result, the fastening part can be easilyengaged with the fastening region.

25th Embodiment

The 25th embodiment of the present invention is explained with referenceto FIG. 46. A disposable pet diaper 34 according to the 25th embodimentis different from the disposable pet diaper 10 of the first embodimentin that a leg stretchable elastic member is not provided, and aleakproof sheet stretchable elastic member 601 is arranged to extendfrom the abdomen-side end to the back-side end of the disposable petdiaper 34. The abdomen-side fixing part and the back-side fixing partare formed in the abdomen-side end and the back-side end of thedisposable pet diaper 34, respectively, in the fixed part of theleakproof sheet. The leakproof sheet stretchable elastic member 601 isoverlapped with the abdomen-side waist stretchable elastic member andthe back-side waist stretchable elastic member of the waist stretchableelastic member.

A comparison is made between the disposable pet diaper 10 of the firstembodiment and the disposable pet diaper 34 of the 25th embodiment. Inthe disposable pet diaper 34 of the 25th embodiment, the erected section700 including the abdomen-side erected section 710 and the back-sideerected section 720, the leakproof wall 820, the leakproof gathers 840,the third curved part 640 and the fourth curved part 420 are formed bythe action of the leakproof sheet stretchable elastic member 601.

The first abdomen-side curved part 541 and the first back-side curvedpart 542 are formed by the action of the waist stretchable elasticmember, or by the actions of the abdomen-side waist stretchable elasticmember and the back-side waist stretchable elastic member, respectively.

The first contraction force intersecting region 181 is formed by thecontraction force of the leakproof sheet stretchable elastic member 601and the contraction force of the abdomen-side waist stretchable elasticmember. As a result, the second abdomen-side curved part 184 is formed.

Further, the second contraction force intersecting region 182 is formedby the contraction force of the leakproof sheet stretchable elasticmember 601 and the contraction force of the back-side waist stretchableelastic member. As a result, the second back-side curved part 185 isformed.

Specifically, in the disposable pet diaper 34 of the 25th embodiment,unlike in the disposable pet diaper 10 of the first embodiment, thecrotch-side erected section 730 and the leg gathers 410 are not formed.

Therefore, the disposable pet diaper 34 of the 25th embodiment has allof the effects of the disposable pet diaper 10 of the first embodimentother than those exhibited by the leg gathers 410 and the crotch-sideerected section 730.

Furthermore, in the disposable pet diaper 34 of the 25th embodiment, dueto the absence of a leg stretchable elastic member, the ends of thedisposable pet diaper 34 in the transverse direction can be locatedcloser to the absorbent core. As a result, a portion of the disposablepet diaper 34 which comes in contact with the pet's legs can be furtherreduced.

Further, due to the absence of a sheet forming a portion around legs,the disposable pet diaper can be made neat around legs when worn.

26th Embodiment

The 26th embodiment of the present invention is explained with referenceto FIG. 47. A disposable pet diaper 35 according to the 26th embodimentis different from the disposable pet diaper 10 of the first embodimentin that a leg stretchable elastic member 405 is not provided in theabdomen-side waist area and the back-side waist area. Further, thecontraction force of the leakproof sheet stretchable elastic memberexerts no influence on the abdomen-side end of the disposable pet diaper35. Further, an abdomen-side waist stretchable elastic member 511 isoverlapped with fastening parts 301. The feature that “an abdomen-sidewaist stretchable elastic member is overlapped with fastening parts”according to this invention does not mean that the abdomen-side waiststretchable elastic member is in direct contact with the fasteningparts. Specifically, it means that the contraction force of theabdomen-side waist stretchable elastic member does not act on thefastening parts via flaps, but it directly act on them.

A comparison is made between the disposable pet diaper 10 of the firstembodiment and the disposable pet diaper 35 of the 26th embodiment. Inthe disposable pet diaper 35 of the 26th embodiment, the leg gathers 410are formed only in a region of a leg stretchable elastic member 405.Further, the abdomen-side erected section 710 and the back-side erectedsection 720 of the erected section 700 are not formed. The secondabdomen-side curved part 184 and the second back-side curved part 185 ofthe second curved part 183 are not formed. The fourth curved part 420 isformed only in the region of the leg stretchable elastic member 405.

In this structure, the erected section 700 including the crotch-sideerected section 730 is formed, and the leakproof wall 820 is formed.Further, the first curved part 540 including the first abdomen-sidecurved part 541 and the first back-side curved part 542, the thirdcurved part 640 and part of the fourth curved part 420 are formed. Partof the leg gathers 410 and the leakproof gathers 840 are formed.

Therefore, the disposable pet diaper 35 according to the 26th embodimenthas those of the effects of the disposable pet diaper 10 of the firstembodiment which are exhibited by the crotch-side erected section 730,the leakproof wall 820, the first abdomen-side curved part 541 and thefirst back-side curved part 542, the third curved part 640, part of thefourth curved part 420, part of the leg gathers 410 and the leakproofgathers 840.

Furthermore, by arrangement of the abdomen-side waist stretchableelastic member 511 overlapped with the fastening parts 301, when theabdomen-side waist area is set on the abdomen of the pet in order to putthe disposable pet diaper 35 on the pet, the fastening parts 301 arecurved inside the disposable pet diaper under the influence of thecontraction force of the abdomen-side waist stretchable elastic member511. Thus, it is made easier for the user to grab the fastening parts301.

27th Embodiment

The 27th embodiment of the present invention is explained with referenceto FIG. 48. A disposable pet diaper 36 according to the 27th embodimentis different from the disposable pet diaper 10 of the first embodimentin that a leg stretchable elastic member 406 is not provided in theabdomen-side waist area and the back-side waist area of the disposablepet diaper 36, and a leakproof sheet stretchable elastic member 603 isarranged to extend from the abdomen-side end to the back-side end of thedisposable pet diaper 36. The abdomen-side fixing part and the back-sidefixing part are formed in the abdomen-side end and the back-side end ofthe disposable pet diaper 36, respectively, in the fixed part of theleakproof sheet. The leakproof sheet stretchable elastic member 603 isoverlapped with an abdomen-side waist stretchable elastic member 512 andthe back-side waist stretchable elastic member of the waist stretchableelastic member. The abdomen-side waist stretchable elastic member 512 isoverlapped with the fastening parts 302.

A comparison is made between the disposable pet diaper 10 of the firstembodiment and the disposable pet diaper 36 of the 27th embodiment. Inthe disposable pet diaper 36 of the 27th embodiment, the erected section700 including the abdomen-side erected section 710 and the back-sideerected section 720, the leakproof wall 820, the leakproof gathers 840,the third curved part 640 and the fourth curved part 420 are formed bythe action of the leakproof sheet stretchable elastic member 603.

The first abdomen-side curved part 541 and the first back-side curvedpart 542 are formed by the action of the waist stretchable elasticmember, or by the actions of the abdomen-side waist stretchable elasticmember 512 and the back-side waist stretchable elastic member,respectively.

The first contraction force intersecting region 181 is formed by thecontraction force of the leakproof sheet stretchable elastic member 603and the contraction force of the abdomen-side waist stretchable elasticmember. As a result, the second abdomen-side curved part 184 is formed.

Further, the second contraction force intersecting region 182 is formedby the contraction force of the leakproof sheet stretchable elasticmember 603 and the contraction force of the back-side waist stretchableelastic member. As a result, the second back-side curved part 185 isformed.

Specifically, in the disposable pet diaper 36 of the 27th embodiment,unlike in the disposable pet diaper 10 of the first embodiment, thecrotch-side erected section 730 and part of the leg gathers 410 are notformed.

Therefore, the disposable pet diaper 36 of the 27th embodiment has allof the effects of the disposable pet diaper 10 of the first embodimentother than those exhibited by the whole leg gathers 410 and thecrotch-side erected section 730.

Furthermore, due to the absence of the leg stretchable elastic member inthe abdomen-side region and the back-side region, the abdomen-sideregion and the back-side region can be fitted around the waist of thepet while the fastening member is engaged.

Further, a pocket can be formed in both end regions of the absorbentcore in the diaper longitudinal direction.

Furthermore, by provision of the abdomen-side waist stretchable elasticmember 512 overlapped with the fastening parts 302, when theabdomen-side waist area is set on the abdomen of the pet in order to putthe disposable pet diaper 36 on the pet, the fastening parts 302 arecurved inside the disposable pet diaper under the influence of thecontraction force of the abdomen-side waist stretchable elastic member512. Thus, it is made easier for the user to grab the fastening parts302.

28th Embodiment

The 28th embodiment of the present invention is explained with referenceto FIG. 49. A disposable pet diaper 37 according to the 28th embodimentis different from the disposable pet diaper 10 of the first embodimentin that a leakproof sheet stretchable elastic member 604 is arranged toextend from the abdomen-side end to the back-side end of the disposablepet diaper 37. The abdomen-side fixing part and the back-side fixingpart are formed in the abdomen-side end and the back-side end of thedisposable pet diaper 37, respectively, in the fixed part of theleakproof sheet. The leakproof sheet stretchable elastic member 604 isoverlapped with an abdomen-side waist stretchable elastic member 513 andthe back-side waist stretchable elastic member of the waist stretchableelastic member. Further, the abdomen-side waist stretchable elasticmember 513 is overlapped with fastening parts 303.

A comparison is made between the disposable pet diaper 10 of the firstembodiment and the disposable pet diaper 37 of the 28th embodiment. Inthe disposable pet diaper 37 of the 28th embodiment, the erected section700 including the abdomen-side erected section 710 and the back-sideerected section 720, the leg gathers 410, the leakproof wall 820, theleakproof gathers 840, the third curved part 640 and the fourth curvedpart 420 are formed by the actions of a leg stretchable elastic member407 and the leakproof sheet stretchable elastic member 604.

The first abdomen-side curved part 541 and the first back-side curvedpart 542 are formed by the action of the waist stretchable elasticmember, or by the actions of the abdomen-side waist stretchable elasticmember 513 and the back-side waist stretchable elastic member,respectively.

Two structures of the first contraction force intersecting regions 181are formed. One is formed by intersection of the contraction forces ofthe leg stretchable elastic member 407 and the abdomen-side waiststretchable elastic member 513, and the other is formed by thecontraction force of the leakproof sheet stretchable elastic member 604and the contraction force of the abdomen-side waist stretchable elasticmember 513. Accordingly, two structures of the second abdomen-sidecurved parts 184 are formed by formation of the two structures of thefirst contraction force intersecting regions 181.

Similarly, two structures of the second contraction force intersectingregions 182 are formed. One is formed by intersection of the contractionforces of the leg stretchable elastic member 407 and the back-side waiststretchable elastic member, and the other is formed by the contractionforce of the leakproof sheet stretchable elastic member 604 and thecontraction force of the back-side waist stretchable elastic member.Accordingly, two structures of the second back-side curved parts 185 areformed by formation of the two structures of the second contractionforce intersecting regions 182.

Specifically, unlike in the disposable pet diaper 10 of the firstembodiment, the crotch-side erected section 730 is not formed in thedisposable pet diaper 37 of the 28th embodiment.

Therefore, the disposable pet diaper 37 of the 28th embodiment has allof the effects of the disposable pet diaper 10 of the first embodimentother than those exhibited by the crotch-side erected section 730.

Furthermore, by provision of the abdomen-side waist stretchable elasticmember 513 overlapped with the fastening parts 303, when theabdomen-side waist area is set on the abdomen of the pet in order to putthe disposable pet diaper 37 on the pet, the fastening parts 303 arecurved inside the disposable pet diaper under the influence of thecontraction force of the abdomen-side waist stretchable elastic member513. Thus, it is made easier for the user to grab the fastening parts303.

Further, the contraction forces act over the whole diaper in the diaperlongitudinal direction, so that leakage of excrement can be prevented.Therefore, this disposable pet diaper is particularly suitable forbedridden pets.

29th Embodiment

The 29th embodiment of the present invention is explained with referenceto FIG. 50. A disposable pet diaper 38 according to the 29th embodimentis different from the disposable pet diaper 10 of the first embodimentin that a leg stretchable elastic member 408 is not provided in theback-side waist area. Further, a leakproof sheet stretchable elasticmember 605 is arranged to extend up to the abdomen-side end of thedisposable pet diaper 38. The abdomen-side fixing part is formed in theabdomen-side end of the disposable pet diaper 38 in the fixed part ofthe leakproof sheet. The leakproof sheet stretchable elastic member 605is overlapped with an abdomen-side waist stretchable elastic member 514of the waist stretchable elastic member. Further, the abdomen-side waiststretchable elastic member 514 is overlapped with fastening parts 304.

A comparison is made between the disposable pet diaper 10 of the firstembodiment and the disposable pet diaper 38 of the 29th embodiment. Inthe disposable pet diaper 38 of the 29th embodiment, the erected section700 including the abdomen-side erected section 710 and the crotch-sideerected section 730, part of the leg gathers 410, the leakproof wall820, the leakproof gathers 840, the third curved part 640 and part ofthe fourth curved part 420 are formed by the actions of the legstretchable elastic member 408 and the leakproof sheet stretchableelastic member 605.

The first abdomen-side curved part 541 is formed by the action of thewaist stretchable elastic member or the abdomen-side waist stretchableelastic member 514.

Two structures of the first contraction force intersecting regions 181are formed. One is formed by intersection of the contraction forces ofthe leg stretchable elastic member 408 and the abdomen-side waiststretchable elastic member 514, and the other is formed by thecontraction force of the leakproof sheet stretchable elastic member 605and the contraction force of the abdomen-side waist stretchable elasticmember 514. Accordingly, two structures of the second abdomen-sidecurved parts 184 are formed by formation of the two structures of thefirst contraction force intersecting regions 181.

Specifically, unlike in the disposable pet diaper 10 of the firstembodiment, the back-side erected section 720, part of the leg gathers410, the first back-side curved part 542, the second back-side curvedpart 185 and part of the fourth curved part 420 are not formed in thedisposable pet diaper 38 of the 29th embodiment.

Therefore, the disposable pet diaper 38 of the 29th embodiment has allof the effects of the disposable pet diaper 10 of the first embodimentother than those exhibited by the back-side erected section 720, thewhole leg gathers 410, the first back-side curved part 542, the secondback-side curved part 185 and the whole fourth curved part 420.

In this structure, the contraction forces strongly act only on theabdomen-side region, so that a pocket can be readily formed in anabdomen-side region of the absorbent core. Therefore, this disposablepet diaper is suitable as a disposable diaper for male pets.

Furthermore, by provision of the abdomen-side waist stretchable elasticmember 514 overlapped with the fastening parts 304, when theabdomen-side waist area is set on the abdomen of the pet in order to putthe disposable pet diaper 38 on the pet, the fastening parts 304 arecurved inside the disposable pet diaper under the influence of thecontraction force of the abdomen-side waist stretchable elastic member514. Thus, it is made easier for the user to grab the fastening parts304.

The structures or features of the disposable pet diaper according tothis invention are not limited to those described above. The structuresor features of the first to 29th embodiments can be appropriately usedin combination.

(Correspondences Between the Features of the Embodiments and theFeatures of the Invention)

The disposable pet diaper 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20,21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38is an example embodiment that corresponds to the “disposable diaper forpets” according to this invention. The back-side waist area 130 is anexample embodiment that corresponds to the “back-side waist area”according to this invention. The abdomen-side waist area 110 is anexample embodiment that corresponds to the “abdomen-side waist area”according to this invention. The crotch area 120 is an exampleembodiment that corresponds to the “crotch area” according to thisinvention. The diaper longitudinal direction Y and the diaper transversedirection X are example embodiments that correspond to the “diaperlongitudinal direction” and the “diaper transverse direction”,respectively, according to this invention. The end 130A of the back-sidewaist area is an example embodiment that corresponds to the “back-sidewaist area end” according to this invention. The end 110A of theabdomen-side waist area is an example embodiment that corresponds to the“abdomen-side waist area end” according to this invention. The ends 100Ain the diaper transverse direction are an example embodiment thatcorresponds to the “ends” according to this invention. The back-sideflap 160, 161, 162, 163, 164 is an example embodiment that correspondsto the “back-side flap” according to this invention. The abdomen-sideflap 150 is an example embodiment that corresponds to the “abdomen-sideflap” according to this invention. The reference virtual straight line100Y1 is an example embodiment that corresponds to the “referencevirtual straight line” according to this invention. The tail insertionopening 190 is an example embodiment that corresponds to the “tailinsertion opening” according to this invention. The absorbent core 200is an example embodiment that corresponds to the “absorbent core”according to this invention. The fastening part 300, 301, 302, 303, 304is an example embodiment that corresponds to the “fastening part”according to this invention. The fastening region 900, 901, 902, 903,904, 905, 906, 907 is an example embodiment that corresponds to the“fastening region” according to this invention. The minimum width point100AP is an example embodiment that corresponds to the “diaper minimumwidth point” according to this invention. The flap boundary line 100Y1is an example embodiment that corresponds to the “virtual boundary line”according to this invention. The body 140B is an example embodiment thatcorresponds to the “body” according to this invention. The end 160B,161B, 162B, 163B of the back-side flap in the transverse direction is anexample embodiment that corresponds to the “end of the back-side flap inthe transverse direction” according to this invention. The maximum widthregion 160B1, 161B1, 162B1, 163B1 is an example embodiment thatcorresponds to the “maximum width region” according to this invention.

In view of the nature of the above-described invention, various featurescan be provided as follows.

(Aspect 1)

A disposable diaper for pets, comprising:

a back-side waist area, an abdomen-side waist area, and a crotch areabetween the back-side waist area and the abdomen-side waist area,

a diaper longitudinal direction in which the back-side waist area, thecrotch area and the abdomen-side waist area contiguously extend when thedisposable diaper is not worn by a pet, and a diaper transversedirection crossing the diaper longitudinal direction,

a back-side waist area end in the diaper longitudinal direction, anabdomen-side waist area end in the diaper longitudinal direction, andboth ends in the diaper transverse direction,

a back-side flap,

an abdomen-side flap,

a reference virtual straight line extending in the longitudinaldirection of the disposable diaper,

a tail insertion opening formed in a prescribed region in the diaperlongitudinal direction,

an absorbent core formed on one side of the tail insertion opening inthe diaper longitudinal direction and disposed in a prescribed regionextending over the crotch area and the abdomen-side waist area,

a fastening part having a prescribed length and provided in theabdomen-side flap, and

a fastening region provided in the back-side waist area and configuredto receive the fastening part, wherein:

when the disposable diaper is put on the pet, the crotch area and theabdomen-side waist area cover a crotch and an abdomen of the pet, whilethe back-side waist area is closely fitted to a back of the pet, and thefastening part is fastened to the fastening region,

while the disposable diaper is worn by the pet, the weight of theabsorbent core after excretion is received in the longitudinal directionof the fastening part, and

the back-side flap is configured such that a distance between thereference virtual straight line and the end of the back-side flap in thetransverse direction varies in the diaper longitudinal direction.

(Aspect 2)

The disposable diaper as defined in aspect 1, comprising:

a pair of diaper minimum width points on the both ends in the diapertransverse direction between which a virtual straight line connectingthe both ends in the diaper transverse direction is shortest,

a pair of virtual boundary lines extending in the diaper longitudinaldirection and passing through the diaper minimum width points,

a body comprising an inside region between the pair virtual boundarylines,

a pair of the back-side flaps formed outside the pair virtual boundarylines in the back-side waist area,

an end of the back-side flap in the transverse direction, and

a pair of the abdomen-side flaps formed outside the pair virtualboundary lines in the abdomen-side waist area.

(Aspect 3)

The disposable diaper as defined in aspect 1 or 2, wherein the referencevirtual straight line is the virtual boundary line.

(Aspect 4)

The disposable diaper as defined in any one of aspects 1 to 3, whereinthe end of the back-side flap in the transverse direction has a shapethat gradually changes in the diaper longitudinal direction.

(Aspect 5)

The disposable diaper as defined in aspect 4, wherein the shape of theend of the back-side flap in the transverse direction is defined by agenerally circular arc curve.

(Aspect 6)

The disposable diaper as defined in aspect 4, wherein the shape of theend of the back-side flap in the transverse direction is defined by astraight line.

(Aspect 7)

The disposable diaper as defined in aspect 4, wherein the end of theback-side flap in the transverse direction includes a region whichgradually changes in shape in the diaper longitudinal direction and aregion which is parallel to the diaper longitudinal direction.

(Aspect 8)

The disposable diaper as defined in aspect 7, wherein the region of theend of the back-side flap in the transverse direction which graduallychanges in shape in the diaper longitudinal direction is defined by agenerally circular arc curve.

(Aspect 9)

The disposable diaper as defined in aspect 7, wherein the region of theend of the back-side flap in the transverse direction which graduallychanges in shape in the diaper longitudinal direction is defined by astraight line.

(Aspect 10)

The disposable diaper as defined in any one of aspects 1 to 9, whereinan intermediate region of the back-side flap in the diaper longitudinaldirection forms a maximum width region where the distance in the diapertransverse direction between the virtual boundary line and the end ofthe back-side flap in the transverse direction becomes maximum.

(Aspect 11)

The disposable diaper as defined in aspect 10, wherein the shape of theend of the back-side flap in the transverse direction is defined by agenerally circular arc curve which defines the maximum width regionhaving a maximum width.

(Aspect 12)

The disposable diaper as defined in aspect 10, wherein the shape of theend of the back-side flap in the transverse direction is defined by astraight line which defines the maximum width region having a maximumwidth.

(Aspect 13)

The disposable diaper as defined in any one of aspects 10 to 12, whereinthe maximum width region intersects at a point with a virtual lineextending in the diaper longitudinal direction.

(Aspect 14)

The disposable diaper as defined in any one of aspects 10 to 13, whereinthe fastening region is provided on a virtual line extending in thediaper transverse direction and passing through the maximum width regionof the back-side flap.

(Aspect 15)

The disposable diaper as defined in any one of aspects 1 to 14, whereinan end of the fastening region in the diaper transverse direction has adifferent shape from an end of the back-side flap in the diapertransverse direction.

(Aspect 16)

The disposable diaper as defined in aspect 15, wherein the end of thefastening region in the diaper transverse direction has a linear shape.

(Aspect 17)

The disposable diaper as defined in aspect 15, wherein the end of thefastening region in the diaper transverse direction has a shape thatgradually changes in the diaper longitudinal direction.

(Aspect 18)

The disposable diaper as defined in aspect 19, wherein the end of thefastening region in the diaper transverse direction has a generallycircular arc shape.

(Aspect 19)

The disposable diaper as defined in aspect 17, wherein the end of thefastening region in the diaper transverse direction has a linear shape.

DESCRIPTION OF THE NUMERALS

-   10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26,    27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 1000 disposable pet    diaper-   10A, 11A, 12A, 13A, 14A, 15A, 16A identification region-   10A1 first extended identification region-   10A11 first virtual line-   11A1 second extended identification region-   12A1 colored identification region-   13A1, 14A1, 15A1, 16A1 visible region-   13A2 light transmissive identification region-   14A2 cutout identification region-   15A2 first open identification region-   16A2 second open identification region-   16A22 cover region-   100A end in the diaper transverse direction-   100AP diaper minimum width point-   100P diaper center point-   100Y1 flap boundary line-   100Y2 diaper longitudinal center line-   100Z1 inside surface-   100Z2 outside surface-   110, 1110 abdomen-side waist area-   110A, 1110A abdomen-side end-   110AP abdomen-side end center point-   120, 1120 crotch area-   120A leg-side end-   130, 1130 back-side waist area-   130A, 1130A back-side end-   130AP back-side end center point-   140A flap-   140B body-   150, 1150 abdomen-side flap-   150A end in the diaper longitudinal direction-   150A1 fifth virtual line-   150B end in the diaper transverse direction-   150C, 1150B back-side end-   150L length of the abdomen-side flap in the diaper transverse    direction-   160, 161, 162, 163, 164, 1160 back-side flap-   160B, 161B, 162B, 163B end of the back-side flap in the transverse    direction-   160B1, 161B1, 162B1, 163B1 maximum width region-   160L length of the back-side flap in the diaper transverse direction-   170 absorbent-core non-arrangement region-   171 abdomen-side erected region-   172 back-side erected region-   173 crotch-side erected region-   180 contraction force intersecting region-   181 first contraction force intersecting region-   182 second contraction force intersecting region-   183 second curved part-   184 second abdomen-side curved part-   185 second back-side curved part-   190, 1190 tail insertion opening-   191 cut-   200, 2000 absorbent core-   210 abdomen-side end-   220 back-side end-   230 end in the diaper transverse direction-   300, 301, 302, 303, 304, 3000 fastening part-   300C1 fourth virtual line-   310 free part-   320 fixed part-   300P1 fastening part midpoint-   300P2 shortest line point-   300L shortest straight-line distance-   300X fastening part longitudinal direction-   300Y fastening part transverse direction-   400, 401, 401A, 401B, 401C, 402, 402A, 402B, 403, 404, 405, 406,    407, 408, 4000 leg stretchable elastic member-   410, 4410 leg gather-   420 fourth curved part-   500 waist stretchable elastic member-   510, 511, 512, 513, 514 abdomen-side waist stretchable elastic    member-   520 back-side waist stretchable elastic member-   530 waist gather-   540 first curved part-   541 first abdomen-side curved part-   542 first back-side curved part-   600, 601, 602, 603, 604, 605, 6000 leakproof sheet stretchable    elastic member-   610 contraction force fixing part-   620 abdomen-side contraction force fixing part-   630 back-side contraction force fixing part-   640 third curved part-   700 erected section-   710 abdomen-side erected section-   720 back-side erected section-   730 crotch-side erected section-   740 erection sheet-   800, 8000 leakproof sheet-   810 folded part-   820 leakproof wall-   830 leakproof sheet fixed part-   840 leakproof gather-   850 excrement storage space-   900, 901, 902, 903, 904, 905, 906, 907, 9000 fastening region-   900A, 901A, 902A, 903A, 904A, 905A, 906A, 907A first fastening    region-   900B, 901B, 902B second fastening region-   900BC 1 second virtual line-   910 liquid-permeable sheet-   920 liquid-resistant sheet-   930 outer sheet-   930A, 931A, 932A, 933A, 934A first welded part-   930AA first welded part group-   930AB, 931AB, 932AB first adjacent welded part group-   930A1, 931A1 first welded continuous line-   932A2, 933A2, 934A2 first welded short line-   930B, 931B, 932B, 933B, 934B second welded part-   930BA second welded part group-   930BB, 931BB, 932BB second adjacent welded part group-   930B1, 931B1 second welded continuous line-   932B2, 933B2, 934B2 second welded short line-   930C, 931C, 932C, 933C, 934C third welded part-   930CA third welded part group-   930CB, 931CB third adjacent welded part group-   930C1 third welded continuous line-   931C2, 932C2, 933C2, 934C2 third welded short line-   930D, 931D, 932D, 933D, 934D surrounding part-   930D1, 930D2 first diagonal line-   930L1, 931L1 first loop part-   930L2, 931L2 second loop part-   931L3 third loop part-   931L4 fourth loop part-   931L5 fifth loop part-   D1 diaper longitudinal length-   D2 measured length-   D150 sixth virtual line-   D160 third virtual line-   F1 contraction force of the leg stretchable elastic member-   F2 contraction force of the waist stretchable elastic member-   F3 contraction force acting on the contraction force intersecting    region-   X diaper transverse direction-   Y diaper longitudinal direction-   α pet-   α1 leg of pet-   α2 back of pet-   α3 abdomen of pet

The invention claimed is:
 1. A disposable diaper for pets, saiddisposable diaper comprising: a back-side waist area, an abdomen-sidewaist area, and a crotch area between the back-side waist area and theabdomen-side waist area, a diaper longitudinal direction in which theback-side waist area, the crotch area and the abdomen-side waist areacontiguously extend when the disposable diaper is not worn on a pet, anda diaper transverse direction crossing the diaper longitudinaldirection, a back-side waist area end in the diaper longitudinaldirection, an abdomen-side waist area end opposing to the back-sidewaist area end in the diaper longitudinal direction, transverse endsopposing each other in the diaper transverse direction, a back-sideflap, an abdomen-side flap, a reference virtual straight line extendingin the diaper longitudinal direction, a tail insertion opening in aprescribed region in the diaper longitudinal direction, an absorbentcore on one side of the tail insertion opening in the diaperlongitudinal direction and extending over the crotch area and theabdomen-side waist area, an absorbent-core non-arrangement region inwhich the absorbent core is not disposed, a fastening part having aprescribed length and provided in the abdomen-side flap, and a fasteningregion provided in the back-side waist area and configured to receivethe fastening part, a leg stretchable elastic member arranged in astretched state in the absorbent-core non-arrangement region, said legstretchable elastic member extending in the diaper longitudinaldirection from the abdomen-side waist area end to the back-side waistarea end, and wherein the leg stretchable elastic member is located inthe diaper transverse direction between the absorbent core and one ofthe transverse ends, the back-side flap is configured such that adistance between the reference virtual straight line and a lateral endof the back-side flap in the transverse direction varies in the diaperlongitudinal direction, and when the disposable diaper is worn on thepet, the crotch area and the abdomen-side waist area are adapted tocover a crotch and an abdomen of the pet, respectively, the back-sidewaist area is adapted to be fitted to a back of the pet, the fasteningpart is fastened to the fastening region, a weight of the absorbent coreafter excretion is received in a fastening part longitudinal directionof the fastening part, and the leg stretchable elastic member contractsto form leg gathers, and also to form an erected section in at least oneof the abdomen-side waist area end or the back-side waist area end, aleakproof sheet stretchable elastic member located on an inner side ofthe leg stretchable elastic member in the diaper transverse direction, aleakproof sheet adapted to face toward the pet when the disposable petdiaper is worn on the pet; and an outer sheet adapted to face away fromthe pet when the disposable pet diaper is worn on the pet, wherein theleakproof sheet stretchable elastic member is disposed in a folded endof the leakproof sheet, and the leg stretchable elastic member isdisposed between the leakproof sheet and the outer sheet, and a lengthof the leg stretchable elastic member in the diaper longitudinaldirection is greater than a length of the leakproof sheet stretchableelastic member in the diaper longitudinal direction.
 2. The disposablediaper as defined in claim 1, further comprising: a pair of diaperminimum width points on the transverse ends, said pair of diaper minimumwidth points defining a shortest straight distance between thetransverse ends in the diaper transverse direction, a pair of virtualboundary lines extending in the diaper longitudinal direction andpassing through the pair of diaper minimum width points, respectively, abody comprising an inside region between the pair of virtual boundarylines, a further back-side flap opposing the back-side flap in thediaper transverse direction, the back-side flap and the furtherback-side flap being disposed, in the diaper transverse direction,outside the pair of virtual boundary lines in the back-side waist area,and a further abdomen-side flap opposing the abdomen-side flap in thediaper transverse direction, the abdomen-side flap and the furtherabdomen-side flap being disposed, in the diaper transverse direction,outside the pair of virtual boundary lines in the abdomen-side waistarea.
 3. The disposable diaper as defined in claim 2, wherein thereference virtual straight line is one of the pair of the virtualboundary lines.
 4. The disposable diaper as defined in claim 2, whereinthe back-side flap has an intermediate region in the diaper longitudinaldirection, the intermediate region defines a maximum width region wherethe distance in the diaper transverse direction between one of thevirtual boundary lines and the lateral end of the back-side flap ismaximum.
 5. The disposable diaper as defined in claim 4, wherein theshape of the lateral end of the back-side flap is defined by a generallycircular arc curve, and the circular arc curve defines the maximum widthregion in which the back-side flap has a maximum width.
 6. Thedisposable diaper as defined in claim 4, wherein the fastening region isprovided on a fastening region virtual line extending in the diapertransverse direction and passing through the maximum width region of theback-side flap.
 7. The disposable diaper as defined in claim 1, whereinthe lateral end of the back-side flap has a shape that gradually changesin the diaper longitudinal direction.
 8. The disposable diaper asdefined in claim 7, wherein the shape of the lateral end of theback-side flap is defined by a generally circular arc curve.
 9. Thedisposable diaper as defined in claim 1, wherein a lateral end of thefastening region has a different shape from the lateral end of theback-side flap.
 10. The disposable diaper as defined in claim 9, whereinthe lateral end of the fastening region in the diaper transversedirection has a linear shape.
 11. The disposable diaper as defined inclaim 1, wherein the fastening part is elongated along the fasteningpart longitudinal direction.
 12. The disposable diaper as defined inclaim 1, wherein the back-side flap includes an identification regionextending in the diaper longitudinal direction from the back-side waistarea end.
 13. The disposable diaper as defined in claim 1, wherein theback-side flap includes an identification region which has a differentcolor from a remaining region of the back-side flap.
 14. The disposablediaper as defined in claim 1, wherein the abdomen-side flap includes anidentification region which is light transmittable.
 15. The disposablediaper as defined in claim 1, wherein the abdomen-side flap includes anidentification region defined by a cutout of the abdomen-side flap.